> 


> 


HISTORY 


OF  THB 


—  IN 


NARRAGANSETT    BAY, 


IIST   1773. 


.A     HISTORY 

OK  THE  DESTRUCTION 

OF 

HIS    BRITANNIC    MAJESTY'S 

SCHOONER   GASPEE, 

IN    NARR^AJIANLSETT    BAY, 

ON  THE  lOTH  JTJJSTE,  1772 ; 


ACCOMPANIED    BY   THE 


CORRESPONDENCE  CONNECTED   THEREWITH;    THE  ACTION  OF 
THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  OF  RHODE  ISLAND  THEREON, 


AND    THE 


OFFICIAL  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS 


OF    THE 


COMMISSION  OF  INQUIRY  APPOINTED  BY  KING  GEORGE 
THE  THIRD,  ON  THE  SAME. 


BY 

JOHN   RUSSELL  BARTLETT, 


SECRETARY   OF   STATE. 


PKOVIDENCE: 

A.    CRAWFORD   GREENE,  PRINTER   TO   THE  STAXB. 

1861. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 


398668 


One  hundred  and  twenty-five  copies  printed  for  private  distribution. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 


[THE  proceedings  of  the  General  Assembly,  relative  to  the  destruction  of  the 
British  sdiooner  Gaspee,  in  the  waters  of  Narragansett  Bay,  on  the  night  of 
the  9th  June,  1772,  will  be  found  in  the  records  of  the  August  session  of 
that  year.  What  followed,  connected  with  this  important  event  in  the  colonial  an 
nals  of  Rhode  Island,  extends  through  this,  and  a  part  of  the  following  year.  In 
presenting  this  history  to  the  public,  the  editor,  has  brought  the  whole  of  the  pro 
ceedings  together,  including  the  events  which  preceded  the  destruction  of  that  vessel. 
This  will  present  a  continuous  account  of  the  affair,  with  the  accompanying  docu 
ments,  from  the  time  it  occurred,  to  the  report  of  the  royal  commission  of  inquiry 
on  the  same. 

The  correspondence  and  most  of  the  documents  herewith  printed,  are  preserved 
in  the  original,  among  the  archives  of  the  State,  and  are  chronologically  arranged 
and  bound  in  one  volume. 

In  1 845.  the  Hon.  William  R.  Staples  caused  these  documents  to  be  printed  in  the  col 
umns  of  the  Providence  Journal,  with  preliminary  observations.  He  also  interspersed 
the  various  documents  with  his  own  remarks,  in  order  to  present  a  plain  and  contin 
uous  "  Documentary  History  "  of  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee.  This  was  after 
wards  printed  in  a  pamphlet  form  ;  but  has  long  been  out  of  print. 

To  these  various  documents,  the  present  secretary  of  state,  and  editor  of  the  Co 
lonial  Records,  has  been  enabled  to  add  several  letters  and  documents  of  great  interest 
which  were  not  previously  among  the  State  archives,  and  which  had  never  been 
printed.  For  several  of  these,  he  is  indebted  to  the  kindness  of  his  friend,  the  Hon. 
George  Bancroft,  who  procured  copies  of  the  originals  on  file  in  Her  Majesty's 
state  paper  office,  London.  The  others  are  from  a  variety  of  sources,  including 
that  great  depository  of  historical  documents.  Copies  of  these  several  papers, 
have  now  been  procured,  and  deposited  in  their  proper  places  among  the  "  Gas- 
pee  documents,"  referred  to.  Among  the  most  important  of  these  new  documents, 
are  letters  from  Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough ;  letters  from 
Chief  Justice  Horsinanden,  of  New  York,  one  of  the  royal  commissioners  of  in 
quiry  into  the  Gaspee  affair,  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  giving  an  account  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  court;  and  the  official  report  of  inquiry  to  the  King,  about 
the  burning  of  the  Gaspee.] — J.  R.  B. 


G  THE    DESTRUCTION    OP   THE    GASPEE. 

The  records  of  the  proceedings  and  the  correspondence 
of  the  preceding  years,  show  that  an  illicit  trade  had  long 
been  carried  on,  not  only  in  Rhode  Island,  but  in  the  other 
English  colonies.  They  show,  too,  that  efforts  had  been 
repeatedly  made  by  the  commissioners  of  customs,  to  put 
a  stop  to  this  practice,  by  placing  armed  vessels  in  Narragan- 
sett  Bay,  and  at  other  places  along  the  coast,  from  Casco 
Bay  to  Cape  Henlopen,  in  1764.  Serious  riots,  too,  had, 
in  several  instances  occurred,  in  consequence  of  the  vigi 
lance  of  the  custom  house  officers,  in  their  endeavors  to 
check  this  illicit  trade. 

The  vessel  assigned  to  this  station,  in  1764,  by  the  King's 
authority,  was  the  schooner  St.  John,  Lieut.  Hill,  commander. 
This  vessel  seized  the  cargo  of  a  brig,  which  had  discharged 
near  Rowland's  Ferry,  and  following  her  at  sea,  made  a  prize 
of  her,  and  brought  her  to  Newport.  Other  difficulties,  which 
grew  out  of  her  presence,  at  Newport,  led  to  the  fitting  out 
of  an  armed  sloop,  with  the  intention  of  destroying  her,  which 
was  only  prevented  by  the  presence  of  the  "  Squirrel"  man  of 
war,  in  that  harbor.  Nevertheless,  the  people  on  board  the 
sloop  landed  on  Goat  Island,  seized  the  battery,  and  discharged 
its  guns  at  the  large  ship. 

During  the  same  year,  another  event  took  place  in  the  har 
bor  of  Newport,  which  tended  greatly  to  exasperate  the  peo 
ple.  The  Maidstone,  a  vessel  belonging  to  the  British  navy, 
lay  here,  several  months,  and  gave  great  dissatisfaction,  by  im 
pressing  seamen  from  vessels  entering  the  harbor,  as  well  as 
in  taking  them  from  the  boats  and  small  craft  in  the  bay. 
Other  ships  of  the  royal  navy,  which  visited  Newport,  also  had 
difficulties  with  the  people  there,  all  of  which  tended  to  arouse 
them,  and  lead  to  some  measures  of  retaliation.  The  climax 
was  reached,  when  a  brig  from  Africa,  entering  the  port,  was 
boarded  by  the  officers  from  the  Maidstone,  and  her  entire 
crew  pressed  into  the  naval  service.  The  same  night,  a  mob 
of  about  five  hundred  men  and  boys,  exasperated  by  the  affair, 
seized  one  of  the  boats  belonging  to  the  Maidstone,  which  lay 
at  the  wharf,  pulled  her  on  shore,  and  after  dragging  her 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE.  7 

through  the  streets  to  the  Common,  in  front  of  the  court  house, 
burnt  her,  amid  the  shouts  of  an  immense  crowd,  which  the 
occasion  had  brought  together.  The  affair  was  so  suddenly 
concocted  and  carried  into  effect,  that  the  authorities  had  no 
time  to  interfere. 

The  next  important  event  in  order,  in  resisting  the  authority 
of  the  government  in  its  efforts  to  suppress  illicit  trade,  was 
the  affair  of  the  armed  sloop  Liberty,  Capt.  Keid,  which  the 
commissioners  of  the  customs  had  sent  to  Newport,  in  1769. 
This  officer  had  exhibited  an  extraordinary  zeal  in  executing 
the  orders  he  had  received,  and  had  greatly  annoyed  vessels 
entering  our  ports. 

On  the  17th  July,  while  cruising  in  Long  Island  Sound,  he 
took  a  brig  and  a  sloop,  belonging  to  Connecticut,  which  he 
suspected  had  been  engaged  in  illicit  trade,  and  brought  them 
to  Newport.  The  commander  of  the  brig,  Capt.  Packwood, 
it  appeared,  had  duly  reported  his  cargo  at  the  custom  house, 
before  sailing,  and  no  proof  was  exhibited  that  he  had  made 
any  attempt  to  evade  the  revenue.  On  the  19th,  as  no 
charges  had  been  made,  or  prosecution  entered  against  the 
brig,  Packwood  went  on  board  the  Liberty.  The  captain  be 
ing  absent,  some  difficulty  took  place,  which  led  to  the  firing 
of  several  musket  balls  at  Capt.  Packwood's  boat  on  her  re 
turn  to  the  shore.  Obtaining  no  redress  for  this  outrage,  the 
people  of  Newport  boarded  the  obnoxious  vessel,  cut  her  cables, 
and  suffered  her  to  drift  on  shore,  near  Long  Wharf.  They  then 
cut  away  her  masts,  threw  her  armament  overboard,  when, 
with  the  first  high  tide,  she  drifted  over  to  Goat  Island.  The 
first  night  she  lay  here,  a  party  from  Newport,  went  over  and 
burnt  her. 

His  Majesty's  armed  schooner,  the  Gaspee,  of  eight  guns, 
Lieut.  Dudingston,  accompanied  by  the  Beaver,  made  their  ap 
pearance  in  the  waters  of  Narragansett  Bay,  in  March,  1772,  on 
duties  similar  to  those  of  the  "  St.  John  "  and  "  Liberty,"  to 
which  allusion  has  been  made,  viz.:  to  prevent  breaches  of  the 
revenue  laws,  and  to  stop  the  illicit  trade>  so  long  and  so  success- 


8  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 

fully  carried  on  in  the  colony.  The  commander  of  the  Gaspee 
was  quite  as  exacting  as  Capt.  Reid  of  the  Liberty  had  been. 
He  stopped  all  vessels,  including  small  market  boats,  without 
showing  his  authority  for  so  doing  ;  and  even  sent  the  property 
he  had  illegally  seized,  to  Boston,  for  trial,  contrary  to  an  act 
of  Parliament,  which  required  such  trials  to  be  held  in  the 
colonies  where  the  seizures  were  made.  In  these  acts,  Dudings- 
ton  had  clearly  transcended  his  powers.  Shortly  after  the  Gas- 
pee  had  commenced  her  illegal  proceedings,  the  complaints 
from  the  people  of  Providence  were  so  numerous  to  the  Deputy 
Governor,  Darius  Sessions,  that  he  submitted  the  question  to 
Chief  Justice  Hopkins,  who  did  not  hesitate  to  give  his  opinion  j 
"  that  no  commander  of  any  vessel  has  a  right  to  use  any  au 
thority  in  the  body  of  the  colony,  without  previously  applying 
to  the  Governor,  and  showing  his  warrant  for  so  doing  ;  and 
also  being  sworn  to  a  due  exercise  of  his  office."  Upon  re 
ceiving  this  opinion,  the  Deputy  Governor,  who  then  resided 
in  Providence,  addressed  the  following  letter  to  Governor  Jo 
seph  Wanton,  at  Newport : 

The  Deputy  Governor  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Providence,  March  21,  1772. 

Sir : — The  inhabitants  of  this  town,  have,  of  late,  been  much  disquieted  in  their 
minds,  by  repeated  advices  being  brought  of  a  schooner,  which,  for  some  time  past,  hath 
cruised  in  the  Narragansett  Bay,  and  much  disturbed  our  navigation.  She  suffers 
no  vessel  to  pass,  not  even  packet  boats,  or  others  of  an  inferior  kind,  without  a 
strict  examination ;  and  where  any  sort  of  unwillingness  is  discovered,  they  are  com 
pelled  to  submit,  by  an  armed  force.  Who  he  is,  and  by  what  authority  he  as 
sumes  such  a  conduct,  it  is  thought  needs  some  inquiry ;  and  I  am  requested  by 
a  number  of  gentlemen,  of  this  town,  on  their  behalf,  to  acquaint  Your  Honor 
therewith,  and  that  you  would  take  the  matter  into  consideration  ;  and,  if  the  com 
mander  of  that  schooner  has  not  as  yet  made  proper  application,  and  been  duly 
authorized  in  his  proceedings,  that  some  proper  measures  be  taken  to  bring  him 
to  account. 

It  is  suspected  he  has  no  legal  authority  to  justify  his  conduct ;  and  his  com 
mission,  if  he  has  any,  is  some  antiquated  paper,  more  of  a  fiction  than  anything 
else ;  and  this  seems  to  be  confirmed  by  Mr.  Thomas  Greene,  who  says  he  saw  it; 
and  believes  it  to  be  no  other  than  the  commission  the  famous  Reid  had,  who  lost 
his  sloop  at  Newport,  or  something  else,  of  no  validity. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  I) 

In  consequence  of  the  above  mentioned  application,  I  liave  consulted  with  Chief 
Justice  Hopkins  thereon,  who  is  of  opinion,  that  no  commander  of  any  vessel  has 
any  right  to  use  any  authority  in  the  body  of  the  colony,  without  previously  apply 
ing  to  the  Governor,  and  showing  his  warrant  for  so  doing ;  and  also,  being  sworn 
to  a  due  exercise  of  his  ofh'ce  ;  and  this,  he  informs  me,  has  been  the  common  custom 
in  tliis  colony.  I  am,  sir,  &c..  &c., 

DARIUS  SESSIONS. 

To  Governor  Wanton. 

This  letter  led  to  the  following  correspondence  between  the 
Governor  and  the  commanding;  officer  of  the  schooner  : 


The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  the  Commander  of  the  Gaspee. 

Newport,  Rhode  Island,  March  22,  1772. 

Sir  : — A  considerable  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony  have  complained  to 
me,  of  your  having,  in  a  most  illegal  and  uu warrantable  manner,  interrupted  their 
trade,  by  searching  and  detaining  every  little  packet  boat  plying  between  the  sev 
eral  towns.  As  I  know  not  by  what  authority  you  assume  this  power,  I  have  sent 
off  the  high  sheriff,  to  inform  you  of  the  complaint  exhibited  against  you,  and  ex 
pect  that  you  do,  without  delay,  produce  me  your  commission  and  instructions,  if 
any  you  have,  which  was  your  duty  to  have  done  when  you  first  came  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  this  colony.  I  am  your  humble  servant, 

J.  WANTON. 

To  the  commanding  officer  of  a  schooner  near  Brenton's  Point. 

Lieut.  Dudingston  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Schooner  Gaspee,  Rhode  Island, 
March  23,  1772. 

Sir : — Last  night  I  received  your  letter  informing  me,  that  a  "  number  of  the  in 
habitants  of  this  colony  had  complained  "  to  you,  of  my  having,  "  in  a  most  illegal 
and  unwarrantable  manner,  interrupted  their  trade,  by  searching  and  detaining  every 
little  packet  boat,  plying  between  the  several  towns."  A 

In  answer  to  which,  I  have  done  nothing  but  what  was  my  duty  ;  and  their  com 
plaint  can  only  be  founded  on  their  ignorance  of  that.  When  I  waited  on  you,  on 
my  arrival,  I  acquainted  you  of  my  being  sent  to  this  government,  to  assist  the 
revenue.  I  had  my  commission  to  show  you,  if  required,  as  it  was  ever  understood 
by  all  His  Majesty's  governors  I  have  had  the  honor  to  wait  on,  that  every  officer 
commanding  one  of  His  Majesty's  vessels,  was  properly  authorized,  and  never  did 
produce  it,  unasked  for.  The  officer  I  send,  is  equally  qualified  and  has  been  in  the 
boats  in  boarding  most  of  the  vessels,  and  can  give  any  information  relative  to  my 
proceeding.  Sir,  your  humble  servant-,  W.  DUDINGSTON-, 

To  Governer  Wanton. 

2 


10  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  OASFEE. 


The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Lieut.  Dudingston. 

Newport,  Rhode  Island,  March  23,  1772. 

Sir :— Yonrs,  of  this  day,  I  have  received,  which  does  not  give  me  that  satisfaction 
I  had  a  right  to  expect ;  neither  was  the  bearer  of  the  letter  qualified  to  give  me  any 
authentic  information  respecting  the  legality  of  that  authority  you  have  presumed 
to  exercise  within  this  colony.  I  expect  that  you  do,  without  delay,  comply  with 
my  request  of  yesterday ;  and  you  may  be  assured,  that  my  utmost  exertions  shall 
not  be  wanting  to  protect  your  person  from  any  insult  or  outrage,  on  comiii" 
ashore.  I  am  your  humble  servant,  J.  WANTON. 

To  Mr.  W.  Dudingston,  of  the  schooner  Gaspee. 

With  this,  the  correspondence  between  Governor  Wanton 
and  Lieut.  Dudingston  ended.  The  lieutenant's  sense  of  pro 
priety  was  evidently  shocked  by  the  letters  from  Governor 
Wanton,  and  of  his  peremptory  demand  to  exhibit  to  him  his 
commission  and  instructions.  He  seems  to  have  believed  that  the 
authority  from  which  his  commission  emanated,  was  paramount 
to  that  of  the  colonial  governor.  He  therefore  enclosed  the 
letters  of  Governor  Wanton,  together  with  his  own,  to  Admiral 
Montagu,  at  Boston,  who  was  then  in  command  of  His  Maj 
esty's  fleet  on  this  station.  The  admiral  plainly  espoused  the 
side  of  Dudingston,  and  feeling  his  own  dignity  wounded  at  the 
demand  of  the  Governor  on  his  lieutenant,  addressed  the  inso 
lent  letter,  which  follows,  to  Governor  Wanton  : 

Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

9  Boston,  8th  April,  1772. 

Sir : — Lieutenant  Dudingston,  commander  of  His  Majesty's  armed  schooner,  and 
a  part  of  the  squadron  under  my  command,  has  sent  me  two  letters  he  received  from 
you,  of  such  a  nature,  I  am  at  a  loss  what  answer  to  give  them,  and  ashamed  to  find 
they  come  from  one  of  His  Majesty's  governors.  He  informs  me,  that  he  waited 
upon  you,  and  showed  you  the  admiralty  and  my  orders  for  his  proceedings ;  which, 
agreeably  to  his  instructions,  he  is  to  do,  that  you  may  be  acquainted  that  he  is  on 
that  station  to  protect  your  province  from  pirates,  and  to  give  the  trade  all  the  as 
sistance  he  can,  and  to  endeavor,  as  much  as  lays  in  his  power,  to  protect  the  rev 
enue  officer,  and  to  prevent  (if  possible,)  the  illicittrade  that  is  carrying  on  at  Rhode 
Island. 

He,  sir,  has  done  his  duty,  and  behaved  like  an  officer  ;  and  it  is  your  duty,  as  a 
governor,  to  give  him  your  assistance,  and  not  endeavor  to  distress  the  King's  offi- 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    (3ASPEE.  11 

eers  for  strictly  complying  with  my  orders.  I  shall  give  them  directions,  that,  in 
case  they  receive  any  molestation  in  the  execution  of  their  duty,  they  shall  send 
every  man  so  taken  in  molesting  them,  to  me.  I  am  also  informed,  the  people  of 
Newport  talk  of  fitting  out  an  armed  vessel  to  rescue  any  vessel  the  King's  schooner 
may  take  carrying  on  an  illicit  trade.  Let  them  be  cautious  what  they  do  ;  for  as 
sure  as  they  attempt  it.  and  any  of  them  are  taken,  I  will  hang  them  as  pirates.  I 
shall  report  your  two  insolent  letters  to  my  officer,  to  His  Majesty's  secretaries  of 
state,  and  leave  them  to  determine  what  right  you  have  to  demand  a  sight  of  all 
orders  I  shall  give  to  all  officers  of  my  squadron  ;  and  I  would  advise  you  not  to 
send  your  sheriff  on  board  the  King's  ship  again,  on  such  ridiculous  errands.  The 
captain  and  lieutenants  have  all  my  orders,  to  give  you  assistance  whenever  you 
demand  it,  but  further,  you  have  no  business  with  them  ;  and,  be  assured,  it  is  not 
their  duty  to  show  you  any  part  of  my  orders  or  instructions  to  them. 

I  am,'  sir,  &o.,  &c.,  J.  MONTAGU. 

To  Governor  Wanton. 

This  produced  the  following  dignified  and  spirited  answer : 
The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Bhode  Island,  May  8,  1772. 

Sir  : — Your  letter,  dated  April  the  8th,  at  Boston,  I  have  received.  Lieutenant 
Dudingston  has  done  well  in  transmitting  my  letters  to  you,  which  I  sent  him  ;  but 
I  am  sorry  to  be  informed  there  is  any  thing  contained  in  them  that  should  be  con 
strued  as  a  design  of  giving  offence,  when  no  such  thing  was  intended.  But  Mr. 
Dudingston  has  not  behaved  so  well,  in  asserting  to  you  "  he  waited  on  me,  and 
showed  me  the  admiralty  and  your  orders  for  his  proceedings,  which,  agreeably  to 
his  instructions,  he  is  so  to  do  ;"  but  in  that  he  has  altogether  misinformed  you  ;  for 
he.  at  no  time,  ever  showed  me  any  orders  from  the  admiralty  or  from  you ;  and 
positively  denied  that  he  derived  any  authority  either  from  you  or  the  commission 
ers  ;  therefore,  it  was  altogether  out  of  my  power  to  know,  whether  he  came  hither 
to  protect  us  from  pirates,  or  was  a  pirate  himself.  You  say,  li  he  has  done  his  duty 
and  behaved  like  an  officer."  In  this,  I  apprehend  you  must  be  mistaken ;  for  I 
can  never  believe  it  is  the  duty  of  any  officer,  to  give  false  information  to  his  supe 
riors.  As  to  your  attempt  to  point  out  what  was  my  duty  as  Governor,  please  to  be 
informed,  that  I  do  not  receive  instructions  for  the  administration  of  my  govern 
ment,  from  the  King's  admiral,  stationed  in  America. 

You  seem  to  assert,  that  I  have  endeavored  to  distress  the  King's  officers,  for 
strictly  complying  with  your  orders.  In  this,  you  are  altogether  mistaken ;  for  I 
have  at  all  times  heretofore,  and  shall  constantly  for  time  to  come,  afford  them  all 
the  aid  and  assistance  in  my  power,  in  the  execution  of  their  office. 

The  information  you  have  received,  "  that  the  people  of  Newport  talked  of  fitting 
out  an  armed  vessel  to  rescue  any  vessel  the  King's  schooner  might  take  carrying  on 
an  illicit  trade,"  you  may  be  assured  is  without  any  foundation,  and  a  scandalous 
imposition  ;  for,  upon  inquiring  into  this  matter,  I  cannot  find  that  any  such  de 
sign  was  ever  conceived,  or  so  much  as  talked  of;  and  therefore,  1  hope  you  will 


12  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

not  hang  any  of  His  Majesty's  subjects  belonging  to  his  colony,  upon  such  false 
information. 

I  am  greatlv  obliged  for  the  promise  of  transmitting  my  letters  to  the  secretary  of 
state.  I  am,  however,  a  little  shocked  at  your  impolite  expression,  made  use  of  upon 
that  occasion.  In  return  for  this  good  office,  I  shall  also  transmit  your  letter  to  the 
secretary  of  state,  and  leave  to  the  King  and  his  ministers  to  determine  on  which 
side  the  charge  of  insolence  lies. 

As  to  your  advice,  not  to  send  the  sheriff  on  board  any  of  your  squadron,  please 
to  know,  that  I  will  send  the  sheriff  of  tin's  colony  at  any  time,  and  to  any  place, 
within  the  body  of  it,  as  I  shall  think  fit. 

In  the  last  paragraph  of  your  letter,  you  are  pleased  flatly  to  contradict  what  you 
wrote  in  the  beginning ;  for  there  you  assert  that  Dndingston,  by  his  instructions, 
was  directed  to  show  me  the  admiralty  and  your  orders  to  him ;  and  here  you  assert, 
that  I  have  no  business  with  them ;  and  assure  me,  that  it  is  not  his  duty  to  show 
me  them,  or  any  part  thereof.  I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c.,  J.  WANTON. 

To  Admiral  Montagu. 

The  Governor-  laid  the  preceding  letter  from  Admiral  Mon 
tagu,  before  the  General  Assembly,  at  their  May  session,  1772, 
and  the  following  resolution  passed  that  body,  in  relation  to 
the  answer  sent  to  the  admiral : 

"  Eesolved,  that  His  Honor  the  Governor,  be  requested  to 
transmit  a  copy  of  the  letter  written  to  Admiral  Montagu  ; 
and  likewise,  that  His  Honor  the  Governor,  be  requested  to 
transmit  to  the  secretary  of  state,  a  narration,  containing  the 
proceedings  referred  to  in  said  letter,  together  with  a  copy  of 
the  admiral's  letter,  as  soon  as  may  be  ;  and  that  he  present 
a  copy  thereof,  to  this  Assembly,  at  the  next  session  of  the 
same." 

The  letter  of  the  Governor,  led  to  some  further  correspond 
ence  between  the  admiral  and  the  lieutenant,  of  which  only  the 
following  letter  is  found  among  the  archives  : 

Lieut.  Dudingston  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Schooner  Gaspee,  Rhode  Island, 

May  22,  1772. 

Sir: — I  have  received  your  letters  of  the  14th  and  18th  instant,  and  copy  of  com- 
sioners'  to  you.  By  theirs,  I  see  plainly,  I  cannot  look  to  them  to  be  supported 
for  sending  the  sloop  and  rum  to  Boston,  notwithstanding  I  was  assured  by  their  of 
ficers  at  this  port,  no  seizure  could  be  safe  with  them.  There  was  only  the  alterna 
tive  to  send  her,  or  remain  in  this  harbor,  and  guard  twelve  hogsheads  of  rum ;  a 


TI1E    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE   GASPEE.  13 

bait,  the  inhabitants  of  this  government  would  willingly  put  in  my  way,  if  that 
could  fix  the  schooner.  I  was  not,  at  the  time,  ignorant  of  the  statute  to  the  con 
trary  ;  but  never  doubted,  if  the  sloop  got  safe,  I  should  be  supported  by  than,  as  I 
informed  the  board. 

The  owner  of  the  rum  resided  in  Coventry,  which  is  but  little  further  from  Boston, 
than  Newport ;  and  of  course,  could,  at  as  little  expense,  defend  this  property  at  the  one 
as  the  pther.  As  I  find  the  exigencies  not  considered,  but  law  referred  to  by  them, 
for  the  future  shall  take  care  not  to  act  repugnant  to  it,  let  what  may  be  the  eon- 
sequence.  If  I  should  have  any  doubt  about  that,  I  will  take  the  opinion  recom 
mended  to  their  officers,  relative  to  the  officers  in  the  navy  being  arrested  here  by 
the  attorney  general.  I  shall  also  be  on  my  guard,  not  to  put  it  in  their  power  to 
arrest  me,  or  any  officer  under  my  command  in  this  government. 

What  passed  between  the  Governor  and  me,  was,  as  near  as  I  can  recollect,  what 
follows.  The  morning  after  my  arrival  from  Boston,  was  when  I  first  saw  him. 

Lieut.  D. — Sir,  I  command  His  Majesty's  schooner  Gaspee,  and  am  ordered  into 
this  government  by  Admiral  Montagu,  to  assist  the  revenue. 

Governor — Is  it  the  schooner  Capt.  Allen  commanded  V  (meaning  the  lieutenant 
I  superseded). 

Lieut. — Yes. 

Governor — We  have  had  many  different  schooners  here  lately;  (mentioning  the 
Sultana,  St.  John  and  Halifax). 

Lieut. — Yes:  and  you  may  remember  me  here  about  two  years  ago,  when  the 
Colonels  Dalrymple  and  Robinson  came  with  me.  (I  am  not  sure  whether  he  said 
he  did  or  not.) 

Governor — What  vessel  was  that  which  seized  the  packet  ? 

I  told  him  whom  she  was  commanded  by  and  belonged  to,  and  my  being  there  at 
the  time,  and  said,  it  would  not  have  happened  had  the  officer  come  near  the  Gas- 
pee,  which  was  his  duty,  with  more  on  the  subject,  too  trivial  for  you  to  hear.  He 
then  related  the  conduct  of  the  collector  and  Mr.  Reid,  late  commander  of  the 
custom  house  sloop  Liberty,  am]  said  it  was  in  their  power  to  have  saved  her  be 
fore  she  had  received  much  damage ;  and  said  he  would  not  mind  what  they  repre 
sented  concerning  him,  if  they  had  told  facts.  I  said  I  had  heard  it  otherwise  men 
tioned;  but  hoped  I  should  meet  with  no  difficulty  in  the  execution  of  my  duty. 

Governor — You  ma}'  depend  on  my  support  and  assistance. 

I  then  observed,  it  was  not  clear  to  me,  if  I  made  a  seizure,  it  would  be  safe. 

Governor — I  will  do  all  in  my  power. 

I  then  instanced  what  had  been  the  fate  of  one  made  by  the  officers  of  the  port  a 
little  before ;  and  added,  I  did  not  think  if  I  made  one,  I  should  put  it  to  the  trial. 

Governor — I  suppose  you  will  be  much  here.     I  shall  always  be  glad  to  see  you. 

Lieut.  D. — I  shall  be  where  I  find  I  can  best  execute  the  service.  I  was  much 
obliged  to  him. 

Governor — I  hope,  Captain,  we  shall  have  a  good  understanding. 

I  said  it  was  my  wish,  and  should  give  him  as  little  trouble  as  possible.  Much 
was  said  about  his  government  and  police ;  but  never  did  he  ask  me  to  show  my 
orders,  or  even  mention  them.  The  weather  kept  me  some  days  in  the  harbor ; 
and  I  was  in  company  with  some  of  his  friends ;  but  never  heard  my  authority 
questioned,  till  I  sent  the  sloop  to  Boston,  on  my  return  here  ;  at  which  time,  I  gave 
him  my  reason  in  a  letter,  (a  copy  of  which,  I  enclose  to  you),  for  not  showing  my 


]4  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

orders,  as  he,  till  then,  had  never  required  me  to  do  so ;  at  which  time  I  sent  them 
by  an  officer,  which  I  informed  you  of. 

I  must  now  beg  leavejo  observe,  if  he  had  asked  me  to  show  my  orders,  is  it  possi 
ble  I  should  behave  so  much  unlike  an  officer  and  gentleman,  in  telling  a  falsehood,  by 
doing  which,  I  must  be  ruined  as  an  officer,  and  in  reputation  forever  ?  The  fallacy 
is  easily  seen,  when  it  is  considered,  the  only  thing  that  makes  the  schooner  respect 
ed,  is  said  to  be  denied  by  me.  Had  such  an  assertion  come  from  a  private  char 
acter,  I  should  hope  for  reparation,  for  an  attempt  to  wound  my  reputation  as  an 
officer.  In  my  present  situation,  I  have  only  to  hope  my  word  will  be  respected  as  an 
officer,  as  much  as  his,  as  a  Governor,  who  can  make  it  appear  by  no  better  evidence 
than  an  old  woman  and  clerk  in  the  naval  office,  and  not  in  the  station  of  a  gentle 
man  ;  and  I  do  not  think  either  would  be  base  enough  to  witness  so  great  a  falsehood. 

As  to  his  letter,  it  cannot  be  looked  upon  as  his.  but  the  Assembly's,  where  it  was 
put  to  the  vote  to  answer  your  letter  or  not.  They  were  all  for  the  answer  ;  the 
Governor  alone,  for  sending  it  to  Lord  Hillsborough. 

Mr.  Greene  is  one  of  the  house,  the  owner  of  the  rum.  I  could  ^expect  'no 
quarter  from  people  of  that  stamp.  On  the  20th,  the  sloop  was  condemned.  I 
have  taken  the  liberty  to  enclose  my  letter  to  the  commissioners  for  your  perusal, 
open  ;  as  it  was  the  intention  of  the  people  here,  to  have  the  sloop  sold  in  the  man 
ner  they  have  been  used  to,  and  which  always  falls  into  the  old  owners'  hands, 
without  opposition.  I  hope  soon  to  have  the  board's  answer,  to  determine  her  des 
tination.  I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c.,  W.  DUDINGSTOX. 

To  Admiral  Montagu. 


At  the  next  session  of  the  Assembly,  which  was  in  August 
following,  and  to  which  reference  is  made  in  the  Colonial  Re 
cords,  Vol.  VII,  p.  51,  Governor  Wanton  presented  a  copy  of 
his  letter  to  the  secretary  of  state,  which  was  as  follows  : 

The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough. 

Newport,  Rhode  Island,  May  20,  1772. 

My  Lord  : — In  conformity  to  a  vote  of  the  General  Assembly,  of  this  colony,  I 
herewith  transmit  Your  Lordship  a  copy  of  a  letter  I  received  from  Admiral  Mon 
tagu,  and  the  answer.  They  have  also  requested  me  to  transmit  to  Your  Lordship 
a  narrative  of  all  the  proceedings  referred  to,  in  said  letter. 

As  Admiral  Montagu  has  endeavored  to  fix  a  stigma  on  my  character  and  admin 
istration  as  Governor  of  this  colony,  by  charging  me  with  attempting  to  distress  the 
King's  officers  from  strictly  complying  with  his  orders,  Your  Lordship  will  in 
dulge  me  with  giving  a  short  account  of  my  proceedings,  by  which  the  ungenerous 
accusation  of  Admiral  Montagu,  will,  I  flatter  myself,  appear  not  to  have  the  least 
foundation  in  truth. 

On  the  21st  of  March  last,  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  gentlemen 
of  established  character,  and  whose  loyalty  to  their  sovereign  is  not  to  be  ques 
tioned,  exhibited  to  me  a  complaint  in  writing,  that  a  certain  schqoner  was  cruising 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  15 

in  the  Narragansett  River,  boarding  every  vessel  and  boat  that  passed,  and  other 
wise  interrupting  them  in  the  pursuit  of  their  lawful  business;  and  not  knowing  by 
what  authority  the  persons  belonging  to  said  schooner  exercised  that  power  within 
the  body  of  the  colony,  requested  me  to  make  such  inquiry  concerning  the  same, 
as  was  consistent  with  law. 

It  therefore,  became  my  indispensable  duty,  in  order  to  satisfy  the  complaints,  to 
demand  of  the  commanding  officer  of  said  schooner,  the  reason  of  his  thus  acting, 
and  whether  he  was  vested  with  such  powers  as  would  justify  his  proceedings,  which 
produced  my  letter  to  him  of  the  22d  of  March.  It  was  answered  by  Win.  Dud- 
ingston,  of  the  schooner  Gaspee  ;  but,  as  he  did  not  give  me  that  satisfaction  I 
conceived  I  had  an  indisputable  right  to  expect,  I  wrote  another  letter  ;  whereupon, 
he  sent  me,  by  one  of  his  officers,  an  order  from  the  lords  of  the  admiralty,  for  his 
commanding  the  schooner  Gaspee  ;  also,  their  letter  to  the  commissioners  at  Boston, 
requesting  that  board  to  give  him  a  deputation  in  the  customs,  both  which,  I  re 
turned  to  the  officer  in  the  same  hour  he  brought  them,  without  attempting  in  the 
least,  to  distress  or  oppose  him  in  the  execution  of  his  duty. 

This,  My  Lord,  is  a  true  state  of  facts ;  and  I  believe  Your  Lordship  is  con 
vinced  that,  in  my  proceedings,  I  have  done  nothing  but  what  was  my  duty  ;  and 
that  Admiral  Montagu's  accusation  is  as  groundless  as  it  is  illiberal. 

When  I  wrote  my  first  letter,  I  do,  upon  my  honor,  declare,  that  I  did  not  know 
whether  the  schooner  complained  of,  was  the  Gaspee  or  not ;  and  even  if  I  did,  in 
my  opinion.  I  am  justifiable,  as  I  was  entirely  unacquainted  with  Mr.  Dudingston's 
authority,  either  as  an  officer  in  the  revenue  or  navy  ;  and  I  do  not  believe  he 
had  any  right  to  officiate  as  a  custom  house  officer  within  the  body  of  this  colony, 
before  he  had  communicated  to  me,  or  some  proper  authority,  his  commission  for  so 
doing. 

I  must  not  omit  mentioning,  that  the  information  which  Admiral  Montagu  says  he 
has  received,  that  the  people  of  Newport  talk  of  fitting  out  an  armed  vessel  to  rescue 
any  seizures  which  may  be  made  by  the  King's  vessels,  is,  Your  Lordship  may  be 
assured,  a  malicious  representation,  calculated,  by  the  enemies  of  our  happy  con 
stitution,  to  injure  the  colony,  and  bring  upon  the  inhabitants  his  Majesty's  dis 
pleasure. 

I  acknowledge  it  a  singular  happiness,  that  this  affair  is  brought  before  Your 
Lordship  ;  and  that  your  candor  and  inflexible  integrity  will  fix  the  charge  of  insolence 
where  it  really  belongs.  I  submit  the  dispute  with  pleasure,  from  a  thorough  con 
viction,  that  Your  Lordship's  opinion  thereupon,  will  be  consonant  to  the  strictest 
equity 

It  is  now  my  turn  to  complain  of  Mr.  Dudingston's  illegal  proceedings,  in  carrying 
a  quantity  of  rum,  he  had  seized  on  board  a  small  boat,  lying  within  the  county  of 
Kent,  in  this  colony,  to  Boston,  for  trial ;  notwithstanding,  by  the  8th  of  His 
Majesty,  it  is  expressly  declared,  that  all  forfeitures  of  this  kind,  shall  be  tried  in 
that  colony  where  the  offence  is  committed. 

To  recite  every  particular  of  his  unwarrantable  proceedings,  would,  My  Lord,  be 
too  tedious.  Let  it  then  suffice,  that  since  the  Gaspee  and  Beaver  have  been  sta 
tioned  in  this  colony,  the  inhabitants  have  been  insulted  without  any  just  cause,  with 
the  most  abusive  and  contumelious  language  ;  and,  I  am  sorry  that  I  have  reason  to 
say,  that  the  principal  officers  belonging  to  said  vessels,  have  exercised  that  power 
with  which  they  are  vested,  in  a  wanton  and  arbitrary  manner,  to  the  very  great  in 
jury  and  disturbance  of  the  colony. 


16  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

I  have,  My  Lord,  constantly  afforded  the  King's  officers  all  the  assistance  in  my 
power,  in  the  legal  discharge  of  their  trust ;  but  if  any  of  them,  through  prejudice, 
io-norance  of  their  duty  or  youthful  indiscretion,  insult  this  colony,  it  is  my  duty,  as 
His  Majesty's  Governor,  to  remonstrate  against  it. 

I  am,  &c.,  &c.,  J.  WANTON. 

To  the  Right  Honorable   Earl  of  Hillsborotigh,  one  of  His  Majesty's  principal 
secretaries  of  state,  Whitehall. 

llie  foregoing  letters  present  an  account  of  the  events  which 
preceded  the  memorable  night  of  the  9th  of  June,  when  the  Gas- 
pee  was  destroyed.  That  Dudingston  did  not  act  wisely,  to  say 
the  least,  in  exerting  the  authority  he  did,  without  first  exhibiting 
his  commission,  is  evident.  But  it  is  certain,  that  in  sending 
some  of  the  property  seized  by  him,  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
county  of  Kent,  in  Rhode  Island,  to  Boston,  there  to  be  adjudi 
cated  upon  by  the  court  of  vice  admiralty,  he  was  clearly  in  the 
wrong;  as  an  act  of  Parliament  expressly  declares  that  such  seiz 
ures  shall  be  adjudicated  in  the  colony  where  the  seizure  is  made. 
The  goods  here  referred  to,  consisted  of  twelve  hogsheads  of 
rum,  and  some  sugars,  which  were  on  board  a  sloop,  bound 
from  Greenwich  to  Newport,  and  were  the  property  of  Jacob 
Greene  &  Co.,  of  Warwick.* 

Dudingston  seems  to  have  been  aware  that  this  act  was  an 
illegal  one,  as  he  did  not  dare  to  go  on  shore,  having  been 
threatened  with  a  suit  at  law  by  the  owners  of  the  goods. 

Next  in  order,  is  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee,  the  narrative 
of  the  particulars  of  which,  we  shall  give,  as  written  by  Col. 
Ephraim  Bo  wen,  the  last  survivor  of  the  party  which  de 
stroyed  this  vessel. 

Narrative,  of  the  Capture  and  Burning  of  the  British  Schooner 

Gaspee. 

"In  the  year  1772,  the  British  government  had  stationed 
at  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  a  sloop  of  war,  with  her  tender,  a 
schooner,  called  the  Gaspee,  of  eight  guns,  commanded  by 
William  Dudingston,  a  lieutenant  in  the  British  navy,  for 

*  The  firm  consisted  of  Jacob,  William,  Elisha,  Christopher  and  Perry  Greene. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEfi.  17 

the  purpose  of  preventing  the  clandestine  landing  of  articles, 
subject  to  the  payment  of  duty.  The  captain  of  this  schooner 
made  it  his  practice  to  stop  and  board  all  vessels  entering  or 
leaving  the  ports  of  Rhode  Island,  or  leaving  Newport  for 
Providence. 

On,  the  10th  day  of  June,  1772,  Capt.  Thomas  Lindsey  left 
Newport,  in  his  packet  for  Providence,  about  noon,  with  the 
wind  at  the  north  ;  and  soon  after,  the  Gaspee  was  under  sail, 
in  pursuit  of  Lindsey,  and  continued  the  chase  as  far  as  Nam- 
quit  Point,  which  runs  off  from  the  farm  in  Warwick,  about 
seven  miles  below  Providence,  now  owned  by  Mr.  John  Brown 
Francis,  our  late  Governor. 

Lindsey  was  standing  easterly,  with  the  tide  on  ebb  about 
two  hours,  when  he  hove  about,  at  the  end  of  Namquit  Point, 
and  stood  to  the  westward  ;  and  Dudingston,  in  close  chase, 
changed  his  course,  and  ran  on  the  Point,  near  its  end,  and 
grounded. 

Lindsey  continued  on  his  course  up  the  river,  and  arrived 
at  Providence  about  sunset,  when  he  immediately  informed 
Mr.  John  Brown,  one  of  our  first  and  most  respectable  mer 
chants,  of  the  situation  of  the  Gaspee.  He  immediately  con 
cluded  that  she  would  remain  immovable  until  after  midnight, 
and  that  now  an  opportunity  offered  of  putting  an  end  to  the 
trouble  and  vexation  she  daily  caused. 

Mr.  Brown  immediately  resolved  on  her  destruction,  and  he 
forthwith  directed  one  of  his  trusty  shipmasters  to  collect  eight 
of  the  largest  long  boats  in  the  harbor,  with  five  oars  to  each  ; 
to  have  the  oars  and  row-locks  well  muffled,  to  prevent  noise, 
and  to  place  them  at  Fenner's  Wharf,  directly  opposite  to  the 
dwelling  of  Mr.  James  Sabin,  who  kept  a  house  of  board  and 
entertainment  for  gentlemen  ;  being  the  same  house  purchased 
a  few  years  after,  by  the  late  Welcome  Arnold,  one  of  our  en 
terprising  merchants  ;  and  is  now  owned  by,  and  is  the  resir 
dence  of  Col.  Richard  J.  Arnold,  his  son.* 


"  This  house,  then  unfinished,  was  occupied  as  an  inn.  It  was  soon  after  purchased 
and  completed  by  Welcome  Arnold,  who  resided  there,  till  his  death,  in  1798.  It  then  be 
came  the  residence  of  his  eldest  son,  Samuel  G.  Arnold,  father  of  the  writer  [the  Hon 

3 


38  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE. 

About  the  time  of  the  shutting  up  of  the  shops,  soon  after 
!/  sunset,  a  man  passed  along  the  main  street,  beating  a  drum, 
and  informing  the  inhabitants  of  the  fact  that  the  Gaspee  was 
aground  on  Namquit  Point,  and  would  not  float  off  until  three 
o'clock,  the  next  morning  ;  and  inviting  those  persons  who 
felt  a  disposition  to  go  and  destroy  that  troublesome  vessel,  to 
repair  in  the  evening  to  Mr.  James  Sabin's  house.  About 
nine  o'clock,  I  took  rny  father's  gun,  and  my  powder  horn  and 
bullets,  and  went  to  Mr.  Sabin's,  and  found  the  south-east 
room  full  of  people,  where  I  loaded  my  gun,  and  all  remained 
there  till  about  ten  o'c-ock,  some  casting  bullets  in  the  kitchen, 
and  others  making  arrangements  for  departure,  when  orders 
were  given  to  cross  the  street  to  Fenner's  Wharf,  and  embark ; 
which  soon  took  place,  and  a  sea  captain  acted  as  steersman 
of  each  boat ;  of  whom,  I  recollect  Capt.  Abraham  Whipple, 
Capt.  John  B.  Hopkins  (with  whom  I  embarked),  and  Capt. 
Benjamin  Dunn.  A  line,  from  right  to  left  was  soon  formed, 
with  Capt.  Whipple  on  the  right,  and  Capt.  Hopkins  on  the 
right  of  the  left  wing. 

The  party  thus  proceeded,  till  within  about  sixty  yards  of 
the  Gaspee,  when  a  sentinel  hailed,  "Who  comes  there?" 
No  answer.  He  hailed  again,  and  no  answer. 

In  about  a  minute,  Dudingston  mounted  the  starboard  gun 
wale,  in  his  shirt,  and  hailed,  "  Who  comes  there  ?"  No  an 
swer.  He  hailed  again,  when  Capt.  Whipple  answered  as 
follows  : 

"  I  am  the  sheriff  of  the  county  of  Kent,  G-d  d — n  you. 
I  have  got  a  warrant  to  apprehend  you,  G-d  d — n  you  ;  so 
surrender,  G-d  d— n  you." 


Samuel  G.  Arnold],  and  subsequently  of  his  youngest  son,  Richard  J.  Arnold,  the  present 
owner,  who  has  altered  and  enlarged  it  materially,  within  a  few  years.  It  is  now  the  win 
ter  residence  of  the  author  of  this  history.  The  house  is  Xo.  124,  on  the  east  side  of  South 
Main  Street,  on  the  north-east  corn  r  of  Planet  Street. 

This  brief  sketch  may  find  an  excuse  in  the  rich  revolutionary  associations  that  surround 
it.  The  year  before  his  death,  Col.  Ephraim  Bowen,  the  last  survivor  of  the  Gaspee 
expedition,  wrote  an  account  of  that  affair,  which  was  engrossed  by  his  daughter,  and  now 
hangs  in  the  dining  room  of  the  old  mansion ;  the  identical  room  in  which  the  plot  was 
laid."—  Note  to  Arnold'*  Hist,  of  Mode  Island,  V»l.  II.  p.  312. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE.  19 

I  took  my  seat  on  the  main  thwart,  near  the  larboard  row 
lock,  with  ray  gun  by  my  right  side,  facing  forwards. 

As  soon  as  DuJingston  began  to  hail,  Joseph  Bucklin,  who 
was  standing  on  the  main  thwart,  by  my  right  side,  said  to  me, 
"  Ephe,  reach  me  your  gun,  and  I  can  kill  that  fellow."  I 
reached  it  to  him,  accordingly  ;  when,  during  Capt.  Whipple's 
replying,  Bucklin  fired,  and  Dudingston  fell ;  and  Bucklin  ex 
claimed,  "  I  have  killed  the  rascal." 

In  less  than  a  minute  after  Capt.  Whipple's  answer,  the 
beats  were  alongside  of  the  Gaspee,  and  boarded  without  op 
position.  The  men  on  deck  retreated  below,  as  Dudingston 
entered  the  cabin. 

As  soon  as  it  was  discovered  that  he  was  wounded,  John  Maw- 
ney,  who  had  for  two  or  three  years  been  studying  physic  and  sur 
gery,  was  ordered  to  go  into  the  cabin,  and  dress  Dudingston's 
wound,  and  I  was  directed  to  assist  him.  On  examination,  it 
was  found  the  ball  took  effect  about  five  inches  directly  below 
the  navel.  Dudingston  called  for  Mr.  Dickinson  to  produce 
bandages  and  other  necessaries,  for  the  dressing  of  the  wound, 
and  when  finished,  orders  were  given  to  the  schooner's  com 
pany  to  collect  their  clothing,  and  every  thing  belonging  to 
them,  and  put  them  into  their  boats,  as  all  of  them  were  to  be 
sent  on  shore. 

All  were  soon  collected,  and  put  on  board  of  the  boats,  in 
cluding  one  of  our  boats.  They  departed,  and  landed  Dud 
ingston  at  the  old  Still-house  Wharf,  at  Pawtuxet,  and  put 
the  chief  into  the  house  of  Joseph  Rhodes. 

Soon  after,  all  the  party  were  ordered  to  depart,  leaving  one 
boat  for  the  leaders  of  the  expedition  ;  who  soon  set  the  vessel 
on  fire,  which  consumed  her  to  the  water's  edge. 

The  names  of  the  most  conspicuous  actors  in  this  remark 
able  event,  are  as  follows,  viz :  Mr.  John  Brown,*  Captains 


*  JOHN  Baowx,  and  his  brother  JOSEPH  BEOWX,  were  (as  Admiral  Montagu  observes  in 
his  letter  to  Governor  Wanton,)  among  the  most  prominent  citizens  of  Providence.  This 
family,  as  is  vrell  known  to  the  people  of  Rhode  Island,  have  ever  been  among  its  most  dis 
tinguished  citizens. 

The  first  of  them,  Chad  Brown,  was  one  of  the  five  associates  of  Roger  Williams,  who 
were  the  earliest  founders  of  the  State.  John  Brown,  at  the  period  referred  to,  was  the 


20  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 

Abraham  Whipple,*  John  B.  Hopkins,f  Benjamin  Dunn  and 
five  others,  whose  names  I  have  forgotten  ;  and  John  Ma\v- 
ney,|  Benjamin  Page,§  Joseph  Bucklin||  and  Turpin  Smith, f 

leading  merchant  in  the  colony.  He  was  also  distinguished  as  an  earnest  patron  of  litera 
ture  and  science  ;  being  among  the  founders  of  Brown  University,  and  otherwise  contribut 
ing  liberally  for  the  encouragement  of  science.  His  brother  Moses,  who  died  Sept.  fi,  1836, 
in  his  99th  year,  was  a  distinguished  philanthropist  and  encourager  of  education.  Obadiuh, 
his  cousin,  was  the  founder  of  the  Friends'  Boarding  School." 

The  descendants  of  these  brothers,  have  been  equally  distinguished  in  commerce,  naviga 
tion  and  manufactures,  as  well  as  liberal  benefactors  of  our  literary  and  charitable 
institutions. 

*  ABRAHAM  WHIPPLE  was  captain  of  a  merchantman,  in  the  West  India  trade.  Daring  the 
French  war,  he  commanded  the  "Game  Cock,"  a  celebrated  privateer,  which,  in  one  cruise, 
took  twenty -three  prizes.  His  shrewdness  and  braver}',  led  to  his  selection  as  captain  of  the 
party  which  destroyed  theGaspee.  On  the  breaking  out  of  the  revolutionary  war,  he  became 
a  commander  in  the  American  navy,  and  rendered  his  country  most  important  service. 

t  JOHN  B.  HOPKINS,  was  a  son  of  Commodore  Esek  Hopkins,  a  distinguished  oflicer  of  the 
revolution,  and  nephew  of  Gov.  Stephen  Hopkins,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  declaration  of  In 
dependence.  He  commanded  the  ship  Cabot,  one  of  the  fleet  that  sailed  from  Rhode  Island, 
February  17,  1770.  In  an  action  that  took  place  on  this  cruise,  he  was  severely  wounded. 

J  JOHN  MA.WNEY,  was  a  descendant  of  one  of  the  Huguenot  families,  that  came  to  this 
country  about  the  year  1700.  He  was  educated  to  the  profession  of  medicine;  though,  hav 
ing  inherited  an  ample  estate,  he  never  practised  it  to  a  very  great  extent.  He  was  at  one 
time,  a  colonel  in  the  Rhude  Island  militia,  and  afterwards  sheriff  of  the  county  of  Provi 
dence.  He  was  distinguished  for  his  classical  attainments,  and  to  the  close  of  his  long  life, 
read  with  unabated  interest,  the  Greek  and  Latin  poets.  He  suffered  greatly  in  the  public 
esteem,  on  account  of  his  bold  and  unblushing  irreverence  and  infidelity. 

It  is  believed  that  there  are  none  of  his  descendants  now  living;  it  is  certain  that  there 
are  none  in  the  male  line.  He  died  at  a  great  age,  on  his  estate,  in  that  part  of  Cranston, 
now  known  as  Elmwood. 

§  BENJAMIN  PAGE,  was  a  prominent  ship  master,  and  for  many  years  commander  of  a  ship 
in  the  East  India  trade. 

||  JOSEPH  BCCKLIN,  was  well  known  in  Providence,  and  kept  a  prominent  restaurant,  or 
place  of  resort,  in  South  Main  Street,  where  gentlemen  resorted  for  their  suppers.  Here, 
too,  they  assembled,  to  discuss  politics;  and  where,  possibly,  the  expedition  which  de 
stroyed  the  Gaspee,  was  discussed,  as  well  as  at  Mr.  Sabins's  house,  which  was  near  it. 

If  TURPIN  SMITH,  after  the  revolution,  became  a  prominent  shipmaster ;  in  which  pursuit, 
he  accumulated  a  handsome  property.  After  his  retirement  from  maritime  life,  he  lived  in 
Providence,  greatly  respected  and  beloved,  discharging  faithfully  all  the  duties  of  a  good 
citizen.  He  attained  to  more  than  four  score  years,  and  left  to  his  posterity  the  rich  in 
heritance  of  an  unspotted  name. 

Extract  from  the  Providence  Journal,  relative  to  the  Gaspee  affair,  in  the  celebation  of 
the  4th  of  July,  1826,  the  fiftieth  anniversary.  In  speaking  of  the  parties  in  the  procession, 
the  account  says : 

"  After  these,  the  four  surviving  captors  of  the  King's  armed  schooner  Gaspee,  rode  in  an 
elegant  barouche,  procured  by  Mr.  Blake,  of  the  Franklin  House,  expressly  for  this  occasion. 
Mi'.  Blake,  himself,  appeared  on  the  box,  and  managed  with  great  dexterity,  the  four  spirited 
horses  attached  to  the  carriage. 

It  was  a  matter  of  most  interesting  association  and  recollection,  to  witness  these  four  sur 
viving  lads,  who  burnt  the  Gaspee  (as  the  orator  so  happily  termed  them),  at  the  end  or 
fifty-four  years,  riding  iu  a  splendid  equipage,  and  receiving  the  award  of  a  republican  tri- 


TI1E    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  21 

my  youthful  companions  ;  all  of  whom  are  dead,  I  believe  j 
every  man  of  the  party,  excepting  myself ;  and  my  age  is 
eighty-six  years,  this  29th  day  of  August,  1839. 

EPIIRAIM  BOWEN."* 

Colonel  Bowen  is  in  error  as  to  the  day  on  which  the  Gaspee 
was  destroyed.  lie  gives  it  as  the  10th  ;  whereas,  it  is  cer 
tain  that  it  was  on  the  night  of  the  9th  of  June.  Capt.  Lind- 
sey's  sloop,  called  the  Hannah,  according  to  the  Providence 
Gazette,  of  June  13,  arrived  at  Newport  on  Monday  the  8th, 
from  New  York,  where  she  reported  her  cargo  at  the  custom 
house  ;  and  on  the  following  day,  proceeded  up  the  bay,  to 
Providence,  chased  by  the  Gaspee.  The  attack  was  planned 
and  carried  into  execution  on  the  night  of  the  9th,  by  the 
burning  of  the  vessel ;  but  as  the  destruction  was  not  complete 
until  the  morning  of  the  10th,  either  day  is  applicable  to  the 
event.  The  proclamation  of  Governor  Wanton,  in  relation  to 
the  affair,  which  is  dated  on  the  12th,  says  the  vessel  was  de 
stroyed  on  "  the  9th  instant,  in  the  night."  Col.  Bowen  is 
also  in  error,  as  to  the  name  of  the  captain,  which  was  Benja 
min,  and  not  Thomas  Lindsey.f 

Mr.  John  Mawney,  who  was   one  of  the  party  conspicuous 


umph,  for  a  deed,  the  commission  of  which,  at  that  time,  had  well  nigh  caused  them  to  ride 
iu  a  cart  to  Execution  Dock,  or  to  be  drawn  on  a  hurdle  to  Tyburn,  for  high  treason  ;  an 
event  they  anticipated  as  vastly  more  likely,  than  that  in  1826,  the  jubilee  of  American  free 
dom,  they  should  become  the  time  honored  objects  of  the  greatest  interest  to  an  immense 
concourse  ot'citiztns,  thronging  the  streets,  and  crowding  to  the  altar  of  freedom,  to  offer  up 
the  sacrifices  and  thanksgivings  of  a  great,  prosperous  and  free  people.  These  four  veterans; 
Col.  Ephraim  Bowen,  Capt.  Benjamin  Page,  Col.  John  Mawney  and  Capt.  Turpin  Smith,  are 
among  our  most  respecteo  citizens ;  and  on  this  occasion,  the  spirit  that  first  animated 
them,  in  1772,  seemed  to  kindle  anew  in  their  still  vigorous  frames.  We  believe,  from  the 
present  ages  of  these  veterans,  they  were  all  not  over  twenty  years  of  age,  at  the  time  of  the 
attack  upon  the  Gaspee." 

*  The  compiler  of  the  present  history  of  the  Gaspee  affair,  was  well  acquainted  with 
the  venerable  Col.  Bowen,  and  often  rode  in  his  chaise  with  him,  between  Provi 
dence  and  his  residence,  in  Pawtuxet.  On  these  occasions,  the  Colonel  liked  to  give  his 
revolutionary  remniscenes  ;  among  which,  his  connexion  with  the  destruction  of  the  Gas- 
pee,  was  prominent.  The  writer  also  remembers  John  Mawney  and  Turpin  Smith,  who, 
with  Col.  Bowen,  always  had  a  prominent  place  in  the  proceedings  connected  with  the  4th 
of  July  celebrations  in  Providence. — J.  R.  B. 

t  Arnold's  History  of  Rhode  Island.  Tol  II.  p.  320: 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   QASPEE. 

in  the  affair,  published  in  the  Providence  American  and  Ga 
zette,  in  the  year  1826,  a  statement,  in  which  some  additional 
facts  are  given. 

After  hearing  the  drum  beat,  he  hastened  to  Mr.  Sabin's, 
the  place  of  rendezvous,  where  he  learned  the  object  of  the 
meeting  ;  and  on  being  urged  by  some  of  his  acquaintances, 
was  induced  to  accompany  them,  as  surgeon. 

Statement  of  Dr.  John  Maivney. 

"  To  this,"  he  says,  "  I  readily  consented,  and  went  to 
Corlis'  wharf,  with  Capt.  Joseph  Tillinghast,  who  commanded 
the  barge,  it  being  the  last  boat  that  put  off ;  and  in  going 
down,  we  stopped  at  Capt.  Cooke's  Wharf,  where  we  took  in 
staves  and  paving  stones  ;  which  done,  followed  our  com 
mander,  and  came  up  with  them  a  considerable  distance 
down  the  river ;  after  which,  we  rowed  along  pretty  rapidly, 
till  we  came  in  sight  of  the  schooner,  when  Capt.  (the  late 
Commodore  Whipple.)  ordered  us  to  form  a  line,  which  was 
instantly  complied  with  ;  after  which,  we  rowed  gently 
along,  till  we  got  near  the  schooner ;  when  we  were  hailed 
from  on  board,  with  the  words,  '  Who  comes  there  ?' 
Capt.  Whipple  replied,  '  I  want  to  come  on  board.' 
The  reply  was,  '  Stand  off,  you  can't  come  on  board.' 
On  which  Capt.  Whipple  roared  out,  '  I  am  the  sheriff  of 
the  county  of  Kent ;  I  am  come  for  the  commander  of  this 
vessel,  and  have  him  I  will,  dead  or  alive  ;  men,  spring  to 
your  oars  !'  when  we  were  in  an  instant  on  her  bows. 

I  was  then  sitting  with  Capt.  Tillinghast,  in  the  stern  of  the 
barge,  and  sprang  immediately  forward  ;  and  seeing  a  rope 
hang  down  her  bows,  seized  it,  to  help  myself  in.  The  rope 
slipping,  I  fell  almost  to  my  waist  in  the  water  ;  but,  being 
active  and  nimble,  I  recovered,  and  was  the  first  of  our  crew 
on  deck ;  when  Simeon  H.  Olney  handed  me  a  stave,  with 
which,  seeing  one  that  I  took  to  be  of  the  crew  of  the  schooner, 
floundering  below  the  windlass,  I  was  in  the  attitude  of  lev- 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  23 

elling  a  stroke,  when  he  cried  out,  f  John,  don't  strike." 
Being  very  intimately  acquainted  with  Capt.  Samuel  Dunn,  I 
knew  his  voice,  left  him,  and  sprang  back  of  the  windlass, 
where  there  was  commotion  and  noise,  but  which  soon  sub 
sided  ;  the  crew  jumping  down  the  hold,  I  immediately  fol 
lowed,  when  I  ordered  them  to  bring  cords  to  tie  their  hands, 
and  told  them  they  should  not  be  hurt,  but  be  sent  on  shore. 
They  brought  some  tarred  strings,  with  which  I  tied  the  hands 
of  two  behind,  when  John  Brown,  Esq.,  called  to  me,  saying  I 
was  wanted  immediately  on  deck,  where  I  was  instantly 
helped. 

When  I  asked  Mr.  Brown  what  was  the  matter,  he  replied, 
'  Don't  call  names,  but  go  immediately  into  the  cabin,  there  is 
one  wounded,  and  will  bleed  to  death.' 

I  hastened  into  the  cabin,  and  found  Lieut.  Dudingston  in  a 
sitting  posture,  gently  reclining  to  the  left,  bleeding  profusely, 
with  a  thin,  white  woolen  blanket,  loose  about  him,  which  I 
threw  aside,  and  discovered  the  effect  of  a  musket  ball,  in  his 
left  groin  ;  and  thinking  the  femoral  artery  was  cut,  threw 
open  my  waistcoat,  and  taking  my  shirt  by  the  collar,  tore  it 
to  my  waistband,  when  Mr.  Dudingston  said,  '  Pray  sir, 
don't  tear  your  clothes,  there  is  linen  in  that  trunk  ;'  upon 
which,  I  requested  Joseph  Bucklin  to  break  open  the  trunk, 
and  tear  linen  and  scrape  lint,  which  he  immediately  attempt 
ed  ;  but  finding  the  linen  new  and  strong,  could  not  make  the 
lint. 

I  then  directed  him  to  place  his  hands  as  I  had  mine,  which 
was,  the  ball  of  my  left  hand  on  the  orifice  of  the  wound  ;  and 
gave  him  the  word  to  slip  his  hand  under  mine,  and  to  press 
hard,  to  prevent  the  effusion  of  blood  ;  which  being  done,  I 
went  to  the  linen,  and  attempted  to  scrape  it  into  lint,  but 
found  I  could  not  effect  it.  As  daylight  was  fast  coming  on, 
and  our  time  short,  I  then  tore  the  linen  into  strips,  for  com 
presses  and  the  necessary  bandages  ;  which  was  done,  by 
knotting  them  into  long  strips,  placed  the  compresses  five  Or 
six  deep,  and  with  the  ligatures  by  the  lieutenant. 


24  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

All  being  prepared,  I  told  Bucklin  to  raise  his  hands,  when 
I  instantly  placed  the  compresses  on  the  orifice  ;  and  placing 
the  bandage  round  the  thigh,  over  the  wound,  and  crossing  it 
above,  drew  tight,  so  that  the  effusion  of  blood  was  stopped. 

During  the  operation,  I  was  several  times  called  upon  at 
the  door,  but  was  not  ready.  When  the  door  was  opened, 
many  rushed  in,  and  attacked  the  bottles.  I  having  boots  on, 
stamped  on  them,  and  requested  others  to  assist,  which  was 
readily  done.  During  this,  Mr.  Dudingston  was  carried  out  of 
the  room,  and  I  never  saw  him  after,  notwithstanding  I  had 
several  invitations,  through  Dr.  Henry  Sterling. 

When  I  came  on  deck,  I  saw  Capt.  Tillinghast,  and  s-nne 
others.  We  got  into  the  boat,  and  rowed  up  the  river  a  cer 
tain  distance,  and  went  by  land  up  to  town  ;  when  Capt.  Til 
linghast,  who  was  then  living  with  me,  after  taking  breakfast, 
went  on  the  hill  to  view  the  smoking  ruins  of  the  vessel,  which 
was  all  in  flames  soon  after  we  left  it.* 

JOHN  MAWNEY." 

This  statement  of  Dr.  Mawney,  differs  somewhat  from  that 
of  Col.  Bowen,  though  in  nothing-  that  is  material.  It  is  quite 
natural,  that  among  so  many  men,  incidents  might  take  place 
which  all  did  not  observe.  The  attention  of  the  doctor  was 
particularly  directed  to  the  wounded  officer  ;  though,  it 
would  appear  that  he  had  been  as  ready  to  inflict,  as  to  cure 
wounds. 

"  From  a  subsequent  statement  of  Dr.  Mawney,  it  appears 
that  Lieut.  Dudingston  was  not  wanting  in  gratitude  to  his 
surgeon.  After  his  wound  was  dressed,  he  offered  Dr.  Maw 
ney  a  gold  stock  buckle,  as  a  testimonial  of  his  gratitude. 

*  The  Providence  Gazette,  of  June  13,  1772,  after  giving  an  account  of  the  burning  of  the 
Gaspee,  adds  the  following : 

*' We  hear  that  one  Daggett,  belonging  to  the  Vineyard,  who  had  served  the  beforemen- 
tioned  schooner,  as  a  pilot,  but  at  the  time  of  her  being  destroyed,  was  on  board  the  Beaver 
sloop  of  war,  on  going  ashore  a  few  days  since,  at  Narragansett,  to  a  sheep-shearing,  was 
seized  by  the  company,  who  cut  off  his  hair,  and  performed  on  him  the  operation  of  shear 
ing,  in  such  a  manner,  that  his  ears  and  nose  were  in  imminent  danger." 


THE   DESTRUCTION   Otf   THE   GASPEE.  25 

This  was  refused  ;  but  a  silver  one  was  afterwards  offered  and 
accepted,  and  worn  by  Dr.  Mawney,  but  a  little  while  before 
his  death."* 

The  first  official  notice  of  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee,  is 
a  letter  from  Deputy  Governor  Sessions,  to  Governor  Wanton, 
written  the  day  following  that  event,  after  he  had  paid  a  visit 
to  Lieut.  Dudingston,  at  Pawtuxet.  It  appears  that  the  first 
act  of  the  Deputy  Governor,  on  hearing  of  the  affair,  was  to 
see  the  wounded  officer,  and  endeavor  to  do  all  that  lay  in 
his  power  to  ameliorate  his  sufferings,  and  administer  to  his 
comforts. 

Deputy  Governor  Sessions  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Providence,  June  11,  1772. 

Sir : — A  very  disagreeable  affair  has  lately  happened  within  this  part  of  the 
colony.  Last  Tuesday  night,  as  His  Majesty's  schooner,  the  Gaspee,  lay  aground 
on  the  point  of  land,  called  Xamquit,  a  little  below  Pawtuxet,  she  was  boarded  in  a 
hostile  manner,  by  a  number  of  persons  unknoAvn,  who,  in  the  attack,  dangerously 
wounded  the  commander,  William  Dudingston,  by  firing  a  pistol  or  musket  ball  \/ 
through  his  arm,  from  whence  it  passed  and  entered  near  his  groin,  and  is  now 
lodged  in  some  part  of  his  body. 

As  soon  as  they  had  secured  the  possession  of  the  vessel,  they  took  out  the  captain, 
with  all  the  people  ;  the  greater  part  being  first  pinioned,  put  them  into  boats,  and 
then  put  them  ashore  on  the  main  land,  near  Pawtuxet ;  after  which,  they  put  fire 
to  the  schooner,  which  soon  reduced  her  to  ashes,  down  to  the  water's  edge. 

Upon  my  receiving  the  news,  I  immediately  set  out  for  Pawtuxet,  attended  by 
some  gentlemen  from  this  town,  went  directly  to  Capt.  Dudingston,  told  him  if  he 
needed  any  money,  surgeons,  or  a  removal  of  his  person  to  a  place  more  conven 
ient,  I  would  give  him  all  the  assistance  in  my  power. 

He  replied,  he  wanted  no  favors  with  respect  to  himself,  but  only  desired  some 
care  might  be  taken  of  his  people,  that  they  might  be  collected  together,  and  sent 
either  to  Boston,  to  the  admiral,  or  else  to  the  Beaver,  at  Newport,  which  I  prom 
ised  to  take  care  to  do. 

I  then  informed  him,  that  the  design  of  my  visit,  at  that  time,  was  not  only  to  af 
ford  him  any  relief  his  circumstances  might  require,  but  also  to  gain  a  declaration 
from  his  own  mouth  respecting  the  attack  that  had  been  made  on  his  person,  and 
the  vessel  he  commanded,  that  the  perpetrators  might  be  brought  to  justice. 

He  answered,  he  would  give  me  no  account  of  the  matter.  First,  because  of  his 
indisposition  of  body ;  and  secondly,  because  it  was  his  duty  to  forbear  any  thing  of 
the  nature  till  he  had  done  it  to  his  commanding  officer,  at  a  court  martial,  to  which, 
if  he  lived,  he  must  be  called  ;  but  if  he  died,  he  desired  it  might  all  die  with  him. 

*  Judge  Staples's  Documentary  History,  p.  10. 


26  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

I  then  asked  him  if  he  was  willing  I  should  examine  any  of  his  officers  and 
people. 

He  said  he  was  willing.  I  then  proceeded  to  examine  a  number  of  them,  they  all 
agreeing  nearly  to  the  same  thing ;  and  herewith  convey  to  Your  Honor  copies  of  the 
most  material  of  their  declarations.  The  dangerous  tendency  of  this  transaction,  is  too 
obvious,  to  pass  it  over  with  the  least  appearance  of  neglect ;  and  therefore,  doubt 
not  Your  Honor  will  give  it  due  attention,  and  prosecute  such  measures  as  wisdo'm 
and  prudence  shall  dictate. 

It  is  the  prevailing  opinion  of  the  gentlemen  in  this  Quarter,  that  a  proclamation, 
with  a  large  reward,  be  issued,  for  apprehending  the  persons  who  have  thus  offended. 
You  will  please  consult  the  gentlemen  your  way  ;  and,  in  the  mean  time,  I  will  en 
deavor  to  collect  the  sentiments  of  the  members  of  the  Assembly,  and  other  princi 
pal  gentlemen  by  name,  and  send  the  same  to  Your  Honor,  as  soon  as  may  be. 

I  am,  &c,  &c.,  DARIUS  SESSIONS. 

To  Governor  Wanton. 


Enclosed  in  this  letter,  were  the  following  affidavits  : 
Affidavit  of  Bartholomew  Cheever. 

The  examination  of  Bartholomew  Cheever,  seaman,  lately  belonging  to  His  Maj 
esty's  schooner,  the  Gaspee,  taken  by  Darius  Sessions,  Deputy  Governor  of  the 
colony  of  Rhode  Island,  &c.,  is  as  followeth,  viz. : 

That  the  said  schooner,  being  bound  from  Newport  up  to  Providence,  to  take  on 
board  some  of  His  Majesty's  seamen,  that  were  expected  from  Boston,  did,  on  the 
9th  of  this  instant,  at  about  three  o'clock,  in  the  afternoon  of  said  day,  run  aground 
on  a  point  of  land,  about  six  miles  below  the  town  of  Providence,  where  she,  the 
said  schooner,  lay  until  twelve  o'clock,  at  night,  at  which  time,  he,  the  said  Cheever, 
was  called  upon  deck,  to  take  the  watch.  About  three-quarters  of  an  hour  after 
wards,  the  schooner  yet  being  aground,  he  observed  some  long  boats,  about  six  or 
seven  in  number,  full  of  men,  drawing  near  to  the  schooner ;  upon  which,  he  in 
formed  the  commander,  Capt.  Dudingston,  who  immediately  came  on  deck,  and  or 
dered  him  to  hail  them,  and  bid  them  stand  off,  on  their  peril ;  to  which  they  an 
swered,  "  D — n  you,  we  have  you." 

The  captain  then  ordered  him  to  call  all  hands  on  deck,  which  he  did  ;  but  before 
many  of  them  got  up,  the  boats  were  alongside,  and  the  crews  getting  on  board  ; 
and  as  they  were  entering  the  schooner,  he  saw  the  flash  and  heard  the  report  of  a 
musket,  and  heard  the  captain  cry  out,  he  was  a  dead  man. 

"We  were  then  ordered  into  the  hold,  and  taken  out  separately,  and  put  into  the 
boat  alongside,  the  most  of  us  being  pinioned,  and  then  put  on  shore  on  the  main 
land  ;  where  we  had  not  been  long,  before  we  saw  the  schooner  on  fire,  where  she 
continued  burning,  till  the  fire  reached  the  water's  edge. 

Question — Did  you,  or  do  you  know,  or  do  you  remember,  ever  to  have  seen  be 
fore,  any  of  those  persons  that  boarded  the  schooner  at  that  time  ? 

Answer — No.  his 

BARTHOLOMEW  X    CHEEVER. 
mark. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OP  THE  GASPEE.  27 

Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  &c.,    -j 
Warwick,  June  10,  1772.      ( 

The  above  named  Bartholomew  Cheever  was  solemnly  sworn  to  the  truth  of  the 
foregoing  declaration,  to  the  which  he  has  subscribed  as  above,  before — 

DARIUS  SESSIONS, 

Deputy  Governor. 

Affidavits  of  John  Johnson  and  William  J.  Caple. 

The  examination  of  John  Johnson,  boatswain  of  His  Majesty's  schooner  Gaspee, 
commanded  by  William  Dudingston  ;  together  with  the  examination  of  Win.  J.  Ca 
ple,  a  seaman  on  board  said  schooner,  taken  this  10th  day  of  June,  in  the  twelfth 
year  of  His  Majesty's  reign,  A.  D.  1772,  before  the  Hon.  Darius  Sessions,  Deputy  Gov 
ernor,  severally  say : 

That  on  the  9th  of  June,  being  bound  with  said  schooner,  to  the  town  of  Provi 
dence,  in  order  to  take  on  board  some  of  His  Majesty's  seamen,  which  were  expected 
from  Boston,  in  order  to  re-place  them  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship  to  which  they 
belonged,  about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  said  day,  the  schooner  grounded 
on  a  point  in  the  Narragansett  Bay,  about  six  miles  southward  of  the  town  of  Provi 
dence  ;  and  about  the  middle  of  the,  night,  following,  the  schooner  still  being  on 
ground,  there  being  but  one  hand  on  deck,  he  discovered  seven  or  eight  long  boats, 
with  a  number  of  persons  aboard  them  ;  on  which,  the  person  on  deck  informed  the 
commander,  Wm.  Dudingston,  who  hailed  the  boats,  and  ordered  them  to  keep  off  5 
but  the  persons  on  board  said  boats,  not  regarding  the  commander's  orders,  came  near, 
in  order  to  board  said  schooner ;  on  which,  the  captain  or  commander,  called  all 
hands;  but  before  he  was  on  deck,  we  heard  two  small  arms  or  pistols  fired; 
when  coming  on  deck,  the  schooner  was  boarded ;  and  being  in  the  hatchway,  said 
Johnson  received  several  blows  with  a  stick,  and  as  soon  as  we  were  on  deck,  we 
were  bound,  and  all  the  rest  of  the  seamen  bound  likewise,  and  put  on  board  their 
boat,  and  landed  on  the  west  side  of  said  bay,  together  with  the  captain  or  com 
mander,  who  was  much  wounded. 

Question — Have  you  any  knowledge  t>f  the  persons  that  boarded  the  schooner  ? 

Answer — No.  his 

JOHN  X   JOHNSON. 
mark. 

his 

WILLIAM  J.    X  CAPLE. 
mark. 

Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  &c., 

War^ck,  June  10,  1772. 

The  within  John  Johnson  and  Williani  J.  Caple  maue  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of 
the  within  or  foregoing  declaration,  to  which  they  have  subscribed,  before — 

DARIUS  SESSIONS, 

Deputy  Governor. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE. 

On  the  following  day,  June  12,  Governor  Sessions  addressed 
another  letter  to  Governor  Wanton  ;  the  bearer  of  which, 
probably  brought  back  to  him  the  proclamation  of  Governor 
Wanton,  which  follows : 

Deputy  Governor  Sessions  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Providence,  June  12,  1772. 

Sir : — Since  I  wrote  you  yesterday,  by  Hacker,  I  have  received  the  advice  of  all 
the  civil  authority  in  this  town,  as  well  as  an  application  in  writing,  signed  by  a 
great  number  of  the  most  reputable  inhabitants,  who  are  unanimously  of  opinion, 
and  earnestly  desire  that  Your  Honor  forthwith  issue  a  proclamation,  with  proper 
reward,  for  the  apprehending  and  bringing  to  justice  any  and  every  person  that  was 
concerned  in  destroying  the  schooner  Gaspee,  or  in  assaulting  and  wounding 
William  Dudingston,  the  commander  of  said  schooner ;  and,  if  Your  Honor  finds  it 
expedient  to  put  forth  such  a  proclamation,  it  is  requested  that  a  copy  thereof,  may 
be  sent  by  the  bearer,  who  goes  express,  and  has  orders  to  wait  until  it  is  deter 
mined  whether  a  proclamation  be  issued  or  not ;  and  if  it  be,  to  bring  it  back  with 
him  timely,  that  it  may  be  inserted  in  our  newspaper  to-morrow. 

Some  exceptions  are  taken  at  the  Gaspee's  being  called  His  Majesty's  schooner, 
as  it  is  thought  by  some,  she,  in  fact,  really  was  not,  and  consequently  did  not  de 
serve  that  appellation. 

If  the  evidence  we  have  in  that  respect,  be  sufficient  to  denominate  her  a  King's 
vessel,  she  ought  to  be  called  so ;  if  not,  then  only  without  any  compliment,  the 
schooner  Gaspee  ;  which  is  submitted  to  Your  Honor's  better  knowledge  and  dis 
cretion,  by —  Your  Honor's  most  humble  servant, 

DARIUS  SESSIONS. 

P.  S. — Dr.  Sterling,  who  attends  Capt.  Dudingston,  informed  us  yesterday  that 
he  was  in  a  fair  way  to  recover  of  his  wounds. 

To  Governor  Wanton. 
To  the  Hon.  Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  at  Newport. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE.  29 


Proclamation  of  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island,  relative  to  the 
Destruction  of  the  Gaspee. 


By  the  Honorable  Joseph  Wanton,  Esquire,  Governor,  Captain  General  and  Com 
mander  in  Chief  of,  and  over  the  English  Colony  of  Rhode  Island  and  Provi 
dence  Plantations,  in  New  England,  in  America — 

A    PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas,  on  Tuesday,  the  9th  inst.,  in  the  night,  a  number  of  people  unknown, 
boarded  His  Majesty's  armed  schooner  the  Gaspee,  as  she  lay  aground  on  a  point 
of  land,  called  Namquit,  a  little  to  the  southward  of  Pawtuxet,  in  the  colon}r,  afore 
said,  who  dangerously  wounded  William  Dudingston,  the  commander,  and  by  force 
took  him,  with  all  his  people,  put  them  into  boats,  and  landed  them  near  Pawtuxet, 
and  afterwards  set  fire  to  the  said  schooner,  whereby  she  was  totally  destroyed. 

I  have,  therefore,  thought  fit,  by  and  with  the  advice  of  such  of  His  Majesty's 
Council  as  could  be  seasonably  convened,  to  issue  this  proclamation,  strictly 
charging  and  commanding  all  His  Majesty's  officers,  within  the  said  colony,  both 
civil  and  military,  to  exert  themselves  with  the  utmost  vigilance,  to  discover  and  ap 
prehend  the  persons  guilty  of  the  aforesaid  atrocious  crime,  that  they  may  be 
brought  to  condign  punishment. 

And  I  do  hereby  offer  a  reward  of  one  hundred  pounds,  sterling  money  of 
Great  Britain,  to  any  person  or  persons,  who  shall  discover  the  perpetrators  of  the 
said  villainy,  to  be  paid  immediately  upon  the  conviction  of  any  one  or  more  of 
them. 

And  the  several  sheriffs  in  the  said  colony,  are  hereby  required  forthwith  to 
cause  this  proclamation  to  be  posted  up  in  the  most  public  places  in  each  of  the 
towns  in  their  respective  counties. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  arms,  at  Newport, 

this  12th  day  of  June,  in  the  twelfth  year  of  the 


reign  of  His  Most  Sacred  Majesty  George  the 
Third,  by  the  grace  of  God,  King  of  Great  Britain, 
and  so  forth.  Anno  Dora.  1772.  J.  WANTON, 

By  His  Honor's  command: 

HENRY  WARD,  Secretary. 

God  save  the  King. 


30  THE   DESTRUCTION   OF   THE   OASPEE. 

Notwithstanding  the  wound  of  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  he 
probably  on  the  morning  of  the  10th  of  June,  dispatched  a  mes 
senger  to  Admiral  Montagu,  with  the  news  of  the  loss  of  his 
vessel. 

The  messenger  was  doubtless  William  Dickinson,  a  midship 
man  ;  as  the  following  letter,  dated  the  llth,  was  received  by 
Governor  Wanton,  from  the  admiral,  endorsing  the  deposi 
tion  of  Dickinson. 

Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Boston,  11  tli  Juno,  1772. 

Sir  : — Enclosed  I  transmit  Your  Excellency  a  deposition  taken  before  me,  of  the 
piratical  proceedings  of  the  people  of  Providence,  in  Rhode  Island  government,  by 
attacking  His  Majesty's  schooner  with  an  armed  force,  wounding  her  commander 
in  a  dangerous  manner,  and  then  setting  her  on  fire. 

I  am  to  request  Your  Excellency  will  use  such  methods  as  you  shall  think  proper, 
for  apprehending  and  bringing  the  offenders  to  justice.  I  am  now  dispatching  a 
sloop  to  England  with  the  account  I  enclose  to  you  ;  and  am,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  MONTAGU. 

To  His  Excellency  Governor  Wanton. 

The  deposition  enclosed,  was  that  of  William  Dickinson, 
which  was  as  follows : 

Deposition  of  William  Dickinson. 

William  Dickinson,  midshipman  of  His  Majesty's  schooner  Gaspee,  sayeth : 

That  the  said  schooner  was  at  single  anchor  about  three  leagues  below  Provi 
dence,  in  Rhode  Island  government,  10th  of  June,  1772,  and  about  half  past  twelve 
o'clock,  in  the  night  or  morning,  the  watch  gave  the  alarm  that  a  number  of  boats 
were  coming  down  the  river,  and  very  near  us  (being  an  exceeding  dark  night),  we 
hailed  them,  and  ordered  them  to  keep  off. 

They  instantly  gave  us  three  cheers  ;  on  which,  we  fired  at  them  with  muskets, 
which  they  immediately  returned  with  a  half  a  dozen  muskets  (or  thereabouts). 
We  then  fired  our  pistols,  on  which  they  boarded  us  upon  the  starboard  bow,  and 
fired  a  number  of  small  arms.  Immediately  Lieutenant  Dudingston  (her  com 
mander,)  cried  out,  "  Good  God,  I  am  done  for."  He  Avas  wounded  in  his  groin  and 
arm. 

WTiile  we  were  disputing  forward,  relative  to  their  boarding  us,  three  other  boats 
boarded  us,  upon  the  quarter.  In  the  three  boats  which  boarded  us  upon  the  quar 
ter,  there  were  thirty  or  forty  men,  at  least ;  and  in  the  whole,  I  suppose  about  one 
hundred  and  fifty  in  number,  on  which  we  thought  proper  (the  lieutenant  being 
wounded,)  to  surrender. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  31 

When  they  had  got  possession  of  the  schooner,  they  used  the  people  very 
ill.  by  pinioning  of  them,  and  throwing  them  into  their  boats,  and  refused  the  lieu 
tenant  and  officers  any  uecessaries  but  what  they  had  on,  and  not  even  suffered 
the  commanding  officer  to  have  his  papers,  and  robbed  his  servant  of  several  silver 
spoons,  and  throwed  his  linen  and  apparel  overboard. 

We  were  then  sent  ashore,  in  two  different  boats  ;  the  lieutenant  and  part  of  the 
men  in  one  boat,  and  myself  with  the  rest  of  the  people  in  the  other  boat,  at  the 
distance  of  about  two  miles  asunder,  as  we  found  at  daylight.  I  remained  on  the 
beach  ;  and  about  half  past  three  o'clock,  saw  the  schooner  on  fire  ;  and  about  half 
past  four,  I  saw  three  boats  put  off  from  her,  full  of  men,  and  rowed  up  towards 
Providence  ;  and  an  hour  after,  another  boat  came  by  her,  and  landed  her  men  at 
Pawtuxet. 

Questions  by  Admiral  Montagu. 

Q. — How  long  had  you  been  lying  in  Providence  River  ? 

A. — We  came  to  an  anchor  there,  at  about  four  o'clock,  in  the  afternoon  of  the 
9th  of  June. 

Q — Had  you  sent  any  boat  ashore. 

A. — No  ;  but  employed  sounding  the  harbor. 

Q. — Had  you  been  at  Providence  before,  during  the  time  you  were  upon  that 
station  ? 

A.— No. 

Q. — Do  you  imagine  that  the  people  who  boarded  you,  came  from  Providence  ? 

A. Yes  ;  I  believe  the  most  part,  but  cannot  say  all,  as  one  boat  landed  her  men 

at  Pawtuxet. 

Q. — What  distance  is  Pawtuxet  from  Providence,  by  land  ? 

A. — Five  miles. 

Q. — What  distance  were  the  boats  from  the  schooner,  when  they  were  first 
seen  ? 

A. — I  was  not  upon  deck  at  first,  myself;  but  when  I  saw  them,  they  were  about 
one  hundred  yards. 

Q. — Why  did  you  not  fire  your  great  guns  at  them  ? 

A. — They  boarded  us  upon  the  bows,  and  were  so  near  to  us,  that  we  had  not 
time  to  get  our  guns  out  at  the  bow  ports. 

Q. — Did  any  of  the  people  that  boarded  you,  appear  like  gentlemen  '? 

A. — Yes  ;  many  of  them  appeared  like  men  of  credit  and  tradesmen  ;  and  but 
few  like  common  men. 

Q. — Did  they  make  use  of  any  opprobrious  language  ? 

A. — Yes  ;  by  threatening  to  put  the  lieutenant  to  death,  and  calling  us  piratical 
rascals. 

Q. — Where  did  you  leave  the  Beaver  ? 

A. — Off  Golden  Island,  in  the  mouth  of  Seaconnet  Passage. 

Q. — What  distance  from  you  ? 

A. — About  twenty-five  miles. 

Q. — Could  she  be  in  sight  when  this  happened  ? 

A. — No  ;  the  main  land  is  between. 

Q. — Is  there  any  thing  more  that  you  can  recollect  ? 

A. — Yes  ;  one  of  the  people  took  me  by  the  collar,  and  said,  "  D — n  you,  where 


32  THE   DESTRUCTION   OF  THE   GASPEE. 

is  your  pilot  Daggett  ?"  I  answered,  he  was  discharged  six  weeks  ago.  He  an 
swered,  "  D — n  your  blood,  you  lie  ;"  and  said  they  would  find  him,  and  riee  him  alive. 

Q. — Did  they  suffer  the  lieutenant  to  put  on  any  clothes,  after  he  was 
wounded  ? 

A. — No ;  he  was  in  his  shirt,  with  his  great  coat  over  his  shoulders,  and  a  blanket 
round  his  body. 

Q. — Was  any  other  person  wounded,  except  the  lieutenant  ? 

A. — Yes  ;  one  in  the  head. 

And  I  further  declare,  that  when  Lieutenant  Dudingston  came  on  deck,  I  saw  him 
go  and  stand  by  the  starboard  foreshrouds,  in  his  shirt,  with  a  pistol  in  one  hand  and 
a  hanger  in  the  other.  After  he  was  wounded,  he  got  aft,  and  sat  down  by  the 
cabin  companion  way,  when  the  two  ring-leaders,  with  a  niimber  following  them? 
came  to  him,  and  said  : 

"  Now,  you  piratical  rascal,  AVC  have  got  you.  D — n  you,  we  will  hang  you  all  by 
the  laws  of  Great  Britain.  D — n  you,  what  made  you  fire,  when  we  answered  you 
that  the  head  sheriff  was  in  the  boat  V" 

The  captain  (N.  B.  The  head  sheriff  and  captain  are  fictitious  names  that  the 
ring-leaders  went  by)  said,  "  Stand  aside,  let  me  dispatch  the  piratical  dog." 

He  then  lifted  a  handspike  over  Mr.  Dudingston's  head,  who  asked  "  if  they 
would  give  no  quarters  ?" 

They  answered  "  No." 

He  then  desired  they  would  let  me  bind  up  his  wounds,  for  he  was  shot,  and 
showed  them  the  wound  in  his  left  arm. 

They  then  said,  "  D — n  your  blood,  you  are  shot  by  your  own  people." 

He  was  then  taken  down  into  the  cabin,  by  some  of  the  mob.  They  then  pin 
ioned  me,  and  put  me  into  the  boat,  where  I  remained  for  half  an  hour ;  when  one 
of  the  mob  called  to  their  people  in  the  boat  to  loosen  me,  for  the  lieutenant  wanted 
me.  I  went  down  in  the  cabin  to  him.  He  was  laid  on  the  after  lockers,  and 
one  of  the  mob  washing  and  binding  up  his  wounds.  The  mob  then  got  him  on 
deck,  and  put  him  into  a  boat,  and  put  off. 

Soon  after,  I  was  ordered  into  the  boat  again,  and  put  off.  In  going  on  shore,  I 
saw  a  negro  with  the  lieutenant's  hanger  ;  being  asked  by  another  how  he  got  it, 
he  said  he  took  it  from  the  captain. 

Being  down  in  the  cabin,  with  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  the  ring-leaders,  and  some 
of  the  principal  of  the  mob  demanded  his  papers  and  orders  for  his  proceeding  in 
such  piratical  manner.  I  then  showed  them  the  commission  from  the  lords  of  the 
admiralty,  with  all  his  orders  and  instructions  that  he  had  received  from  the  ad 
miral,  which  they  took  and  carried  away. 

In  going  ashore,  one  of  the  mob  that  rowed  the  boat,  said,  that  he  and  several 
more,  would  not  have  been  there,  but  that  they  were  taken  out  of  a  house  by  force, 
and  compelled  to  go ;  that  they  beat  a  drum  round  the  town  of  Providence,  in  the 
evening,  to  raise  a  mob.  W.  DICKINSON. 

Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,    > 
Suffolk,  sc.  Boston,  June  11,  1772.  ) 

The  above  named  William  Dickinson,  personally  appearing,  maketh  solemn  oath 
to  the  truth  of  the  foregoing  deposition,  as  written  upon  this  and  the  six  preceding 
pages,  which  is  taken  at  the  request  of  the  Honorable  John  Montagu,  Esq. 

Before  me,  EDMUND  QUINCY. 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  33 


The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Admiral  Montagu,  in  reply. 

Newport,  June  12,  1772. 

Sir : — I  have  this  moment  received  Your  Honor's  letter,  of  yesterday,  upon  the 
destruction  of  His  Majesty's  schooner  Gaspee. 

Upon  the  first  information  of  this  unhappy  affair,  which  gives  me,  and  every 
friend  to  government,  the  highest  concern,  I  called  together  all  the  members  of 
the  General  Assembly  that  I  could  conveniently,  who  unanimously  advised  me  to 
publish  the  proclamation,  of  which  I  enclose  you  a  copy. 

I  have  not,  as  yet,  been  able  to  collect  all  the  circumstances  of  this  daring  insult 
upon  authority,  so  as  to  give  you  a  perfect  idea  of  it ;  but  by  the  evidence  of  three 
of  the  people  of  the  Gaspee,  taken  before  His  Honor  the  Deputy  Governor,  copies 
of  which,  I  transmit,  you  will  perceive  that  there  is  a  material  difference  between 
them  and  the  account  given  by  William  Dickinson. 

You  may  rely  upon  the  utmost  and  continued  exertions  of  the  officers  of 
this  colony  to  detect  and  bring  to  justice  the  perpetrators  of  this  violent 
outrage. 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you,  that  Lieutenant  Dudingston  is  in  a  fair  way  of 
recovery.  I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c.,  J.  WANTON. 

To  His  Honor  Admiial  Montagu. 


On  the  12th,  Lieutenant  Dudingston  had  so  far  recovered, 
as  to  be  able  to  write  a  letter  to  Admiral  Montagu,  wherein  he 
presented  his  version  of  the  destruction  of  his  vessel.  This 
differs  but  little  from  those  of  Col.  Bowen  and  Dr.  Mawney, 
as  to  the  attack  of  the  boats,  his  being  wounded  and  the  sur 
render  of  his  vessel  to  an  overpowering  force.  " 

It  will  be  inferred,  however,  from  the  Lieutenant's  account, 
that  he  and  his  crew  were  pretty  harshly  handled,  which  may 
have  been  true.  He  had  given  great  offence  to  the  people,  by 
his  overbearing  conduct,  and  by  his  unlawful  seizure  of  prop 
erty  ;  so  that  they  were  little  disposed,  in  the  contest  on  board 
his  vessel,  to  treat  him  kindly.  But  after  he  had  been  taken 
to  Pawtuxet,  wounded,  every  attention  was  paid  him. 

It  is  natural,  that  in  stating  the  case  to  Admiral  Montagu, 
Dudingston  would  represent  the  circumstances  as  favorable  to 
himself  and  crew  as  possible. 
5 


34  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 


Lieut.  Dudingston  to  Admiral  Montagu,. 

Pawtuxet,  12th  June.  1772. 
Sir: — On  Wednesday  morning,  about  one  o'clock,  as  His  Majesty's  schooner  was 

•  C  •  <t  V 

lying  upon  a  spite   of  sand  called  Namcutt,  the  sentinels   discovered  a  number  of 
boats  coming  down  the  river,  towards  us. 

As  soon  as  1  was  acquainted  with  it,  I  came  upon  deck,  and  hailed  the  boats,  for 
bidding  them  to  come  near  the  schooner,  or  I  should  order  them  to  be  fired  upon. 

They  made  answer,  they  had  the  sheriff  with  them,  and  must  come  on  board. 

I  told  them,  the  sheriff  could  not  be  admitted  on  board  at  that  time  of  night  ;  on 
which  they  set  set  up  a  halloa,  and  rowed  as  fast  as  they  could,  towards  the  vessel's 
bows.  I  was  then  using  every  means  in  my  power,  to  get  the  guns  to  bear  upon 
them,  which  I  could  not  affect,  as  they  came  right  ahead  of  the  vessel,  she  being 
aground.  I  then  ordered  the  men  to  come  forward  with  their  small  arms,  and  pre 
vent  them  from  boarding. 

As  I  was  standing  myself  to  oppose  them,  and  making  a  stroke  with  my  sword,  at 
the  man  who  was  attempting  to  come  up,  at  that  instant  I  found  myself  disabled  in 
my  left  arm,  and  shot  through  the  groin.  I  then  stepped  from  the  gunwale,  with 
an  intention  to  order  them  retire  to  close  quarters  ;  but  soon  saw  that  most  of 
them  were  knocked  down,  and  myself  twice,  (after  telling  them  I  was  mortally 
wounded) . 

They  damned  me,  and  said  I  was  not  wounded  ;  if  I  was,  my  own  people  had 
done  it.  As  loss  of  blood,  made  me  drop  down  upon  deck,  they  ordered  me  to  beg 
my  life,  and  commanded  the  people  to  surrender.  As  I  saw  there  was  no  possibility 
of  defending  the  vessel  against  such  numbers,  who  were  in  every  respect  armed,  and 
commanded  with  regularity,  by  one  who  personated  the  sheriff,  I  thought  it  best  for 
the  people's  preservation,  to  propose  to  them  that  I  would  order  them  to  surrender, 
if  they  assured  me  they  should  not  be  hurt  ;  which  they  did. 

I  then  called  out,  which  was  immediately  echoed  by  the  people  round  me,  that  I 
had  given  them  orders  to  surrender.  They  hurried  all  the  people  below,  and  or 
dered  them  up,  one  by  one,  and  tied  their  hands  behind  their  backs,  then  ordered 
them  into  different  boats. 

I  then  begged  they  would  either  dispatch  me,  or  suffer  my  wounds  to  be  dressed  j 
upon  that,  they  allowed  my  servant  to  be  unbound,  to  get  me  things  for  dressing, 
and  carried  me  below.  But  what  was  my  surprise,  when  I  came  down  in  the  cabin, 
two  surgeons  were  ordered  down  from  the  deck,  to  dress  me,  who  were  furnished 
with  drops,  and  began  to  scrape  lint  for  that  purpose. 

During  this  time,  I  had  an  opportunity  of  observing  the  persons  of  about  a  dozen^ 
who  were  in  the  cabin.  They  appeared  to  me  to  be  merchants  and  masters  of  ves 
sels,  who  were  at  my  bureau,  reading  and  examining  my  papers.  They  promised 
to  let  me  have  the  schooner's  books,  and  my  clothes ;  instead  of  which,  as  they  were 
handing  me  up,  to  go  into  the  boat,  they  threw  them  overboard,  or  into  some  of  the 
boats.  I  was  soon  afterwards  thrust  into  a  boat,  almost  naked. 

During  the  time  they  were  rowing  me  on  shore,  I  had  an  opportunity  of  observing 
the  boat ;  which  appeared  to  me,  to  be  a  very  large  long-boat.  I  saw  by  the  man 
who  steered  her,  a  cutlass  lying  by  him,  and  directing  the  men  to  have  their  arms 
ready.  As  soon  as  they  put  off,  the  sheriff  gave  them  orders  to  land  me  on  some 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  35 

nock,  and  the  boat  to  come   off  immediately ;  and  told  me  if  I  did  not  consent  to    ~v/ 
pay  the  value  of  the  mm,  T  must  not  expect  to   have   any  thing  belonging  to  me, 
saved. 

I  made  answer,  whatever  reparation  the  law  would  give,  I  was  ready  and  willing  ; 
as  to  my  things,  they  might  do  with  them,  as  they  pleased.  They  were  accordingly 
o-oms  to  land  me  on  this  neck,  when  I  told  them  they  had  better  throw  me  over 
board.  One  man,  who  had  a  little  more  humanity  than  any  of  the  rest,  said  they 
had  better  land  me  at  the  Point  of  Pawtuxet.  As  I  was  unable  to  stand,  they  un 
bound  five  of  the  men,  and  gave  them  a  blanket  to  carry  me  up.  When  I  was  half 
way  on  shore,  I  heard  some  of  the  schooner's  guns  go  off,  and  heard  the  people  say 
she  was  on  fire. 

i  had  not  been  carried  far,  when  the  people  exclaimed,  I  was  on  an  island,  and 
they  saw  no  house ;  on  which,  they  laid  me  down,  and  went  in  quest  of  one.  Soon 
after,  they  came  to  acquaint  me  they  saw  one,  which  I  was  carried  to  ;  a  man  was 
immediately  dispatched  to  Providence,  for  a  surgeon.  A  little  after,  the  people 
joined  me,  with  the  midshipman  ;  all  of  whom,  that  I  could  persuade,  are  sent  on 
board  His  Majesty's  sloop  Beaver. 

The  schooner  is  utterly  destroyed,  and  every  thing  appertaining  to  her,  me,  and 
the  schooner's  company.     If  I  live,  I  am  not  without  hope  of  being  able  to  convict       \/ 
some  of  the   principal   people    that  were  with  them.     The  pain,  with  the  loss  of 
blood,  rendered  me  incapable  of  informing    you  before  of  the   particulars.     Thtrre 
are  none  of  the  people  any  ways  wounded,  but  bruised  with  handspikes. 

I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &o., 

W.  DUDINGSTON. 
To  Admiral  Montagu. 

Tn  the  above  letter,  Dudingston  says,  that  in  taking  him 
ashore,  they  told  him,  if  he  "  did  not  consent  to  pay  the  value 
of  the  rum  "  he  had  seized,  "  he  must  not  expect  to  have  any 
thing  saved  belonging"  to  him  ;  to  which,  he  made  answer, 
that  he  was  ready  to  make  "  any  reparation  the  law  would 
give." 

It  appears,  by  the  following  letter,  from  the  collector  of  cus 
toms,  at  Providence,  that  the  owners  of  the  goods  referred  to, 
lost  no  time  in  laying  their  hands  on  his  person. 

William  Checkley^  to  the  Commissioners  of  Customs. 

[Providence],  12th  June,  1772. 

Honorable  Gentlemen  : — Hearing  this  morning,  that  the  high  sheriff  was  gone  to 
arrest  Capt.  Dudingston,  on  the  suit  of  Jacob  Greene  and  others,  for  goods  which 
Capt.  Dudingston  lately  seized  in  the  river,  and  carried  to  Boston,  I  went  down  im 
mediately,  and  found  the  sheriff  had  just  before  arrested  him  ;  a  copy  of  the  writ  I 
herewith  enclose  to  Your  Honors. 

I  offered  to  be  security  for  him     but  Capt.  Dudingston  told  me  he  should  not  ask 


36  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

any  person  to  be  security,  as  he  did  not  expect  to  live  long,  and  the  sheriff  might  do 
as  lie  pleased.  The  surgeons  told  me  he  was  too  ill  to  be  moved ;  and  as  I  expect 
the  sheriff  will  use  great  severity  with  him,  I  humbly  request  Your  Honors  to  give 
me  such  direction  in  the  matter  as  to  you  shall  seem  necessary.* 

I  am,  &c.,  &c., 

WILLIAM  CIIECKLEY. 
To  the  Honorable  His  Majesty's  Commissioners  of  Customs. 

On  the  receipt  of  Lieutenant  Dudingston's  letter,  of  the  12th 
June,  Admiral  Montagu  addressed  the  following  to  Governor 
Wanton. 

The  only  thing  that  surprised  the  admiral  in  the  statement 
of  the  lieutenant,  was,  that  of  his  finding  two  surgeons  in  the 
cabin  of  the  Gaspee,  when  he  was  taken  down  wounded  ; 
whence  he  doubtless  inferred,  that  the  attacking  party  expected 
to  shed  blood,  and  that  it  was  a  previously  contrived  plot. 

Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Boston,  loth  June,  1772. 

Sir  : — By  return  of  express,  I  am  favored  with  Your  Excellency's  letter,  and  am 
much  obliged  for  the  part  you  have  taken  in  endeavoring  to  find  out  and  bring  to 
justice,  those  rebellious,  lawless  and  piratical  people,  who  were  concerned  in  wound 
ing  the  King's  lieutenant,  and  burning  his  schooner. 

It  will  not  bear  a  dispute  but  that  they  belonged  to  Providence,  as  they  were 
heard  by  four  or  five  gentlemen  that  were  in  the  town,  and  are  now  here,  beating 
the  drum  to  arms,  to  raise  a  body  of  people  to  destroy  the  King's  schooner.  I  have 
perused  the  depositions  which  Your  Excellency  enclosed ;  and  although  they  differ 
in  words,  yet  the  matter  is  much  to  the  same  purpose. 

I  have,  since  I  received  yours,  received  one  from  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  whose 
account  nearly  agrees  with  the  other,  with  this  addition  only :  that  when  he  was 
carried  down  to  his  cabin,  after  he  was  wounded,  he,  to  his  great  surprise,  found 
two  surgeons,  that  came  off  from  the  shore  in  the  boats,  ready  to  dress  his  wounds, 
with  drops  and  scraping  of  lint ;  and  at  least  a  dozen  of  these  people  who  were  in 
the  cabin,  who  were  at  his  bureau  reading  and  examining  his  papers,  appeared  to 
him  to  be  merchants  and  masters  of  vessels. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  hear  the  lieutenant  is  in  a  fair  Avay  of  recovery. 

I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  MONTAGU. 

To  His  Excellency  Governor  Wanton. 

*  Jacob  Greene  &  Co.,  the  owners  of  the  rum  and  sugar,  referred  to,  commenced  a  suit 
at  the  July  term  of  the  court  of  common  pleas,  and  recovered  judgment  against  Dudingstou 
for  the  illegal  seizure. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  37 

Admiral  Montagu  lost  no  time  transmitting  to  His  Majesty's 
secretary  of  state,  the  Earl  of  Ilillsborough,  an  account  of  this 
affair.  His  letter  is  dated  on  the  very  day  of  Go/ernor  Wan 
ton's  first  letter  to  him  ;  and  his  account  of  it  was  given  from 
the  version  as  presented  to  him  by  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  or 
some  one  else  from  the  Gaspee,  on  the  day  she  was  destroyed. 
His  account  is  very  brief. 

The  deposition  referred  to,  is  doubtless  that  of  William  Dick 
inson,  a  midshipman  of  the  Gaspee,  a  copy  of  which,  was 
transmitted  by  the  admiral  to  Governor  Wanton,  in  his  letter 
to  him,  of  the  llth  June. 

Admiral  Montagu  to  Lord  Hillsborough. 

Boston,  in  Xew  England,    ^ 
12th  June  177'2.  \ 

My  Lord : — I  was  in  hopes  I  should  not  have  had  occasion  to  trouble  Your  Lord 
ship  with  any  public  letters,  while  I  have  the  honor  to  command  on  the  continent ; 
but  the  lawless  and  piratical  people  of  Rhode  Island  obliges  me  to  write  to  you. 

By  the  enclosed  deposition,  Your  Lordship  will  see  that  this  nest  of  daring  smug 
glers  have  wounded  in  a  most  dangerous  manner  Lieut.  Dudingston,  and  burnt  the 
King's  schooner  Gaspee,  under  his  command,  for  no  other  cause,  except  his  being 
dilligcnt  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  by  giving  every  proper  assistance  to  the  fair 
trader,  and  using  every  endeavor  to  suppress  the  illicit  trade  that  is  carried  on  to  a 
great  degree,  in  that  province,  and  which  can  never  be  checked  unless  there  are 
more  men-of-war  stationed  there,  to  keep  the  inhabitants  in  order. 

I  beg  leave  to  refer  Your  Lordship  to  the  enclosed  deposition,  for  the  particulars, 
and  wait  Your  Lordship's  instructions  for  what  is  to  be  done.  Permit  me  to  add, 
that  the  lieutenant  that  is  wounded,  is  a  sober,  dilligent,  good  officer ;  and  has  most 
strictly  done  his  duty  since  I  have  had  the  honor  of  commanding  here,  frequently 
at  the  hazard  of  his  life,  in  assisting  the  revenue.  Should  he  survive,  which  I  have 
little  hopes  of,  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  him  to  Your  Lordship's  favor  and  pro 
tection.  I  have  the  honor,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  MONTAGU. 

To  the  Right  Honorable  Lord  Hillsborough. 

P.  S.  Herewith  I  transmit  to  Your  Lordship  copies  of  letters  which  have  passed 
between  me,  Lieutenant  Dudingston  and  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island,  which  I 
did  not  think  necessary  to  trouble  Your  Lordship  with,  until  this  melancholy  affair 
of  the  schooner  happened.  J.  M. 


38  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 

The  following  is  the  official  account  of  the  destruction  of  the 
Gaspee,  transmitted  by  Governor  Wanton,  to  the  Earl  of 
Hillsborousrh. 


The.  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough. 

Newport,  Rhode'  Island, 
June-  1C,  1772. 

My  Lord  : — I  did  myself  the  honor  to  write  to  Your  Lordship  on  the  20th  ultimo.  I 
am  now  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  addressing  Your  Lordship  upon  a  most  disa 
greeable  subject ;  the  destruction  of  the  schooner  Gaspee,  under  the  command  of 
Lieutenant  William  Dudingston,  by  persons  unknown.  The  particulars  relating  to 
this  unwarrantable  transaction,  so  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  collect  them,  are  as 
follows : 

On  the  9th  inst.,  she  run  aground  on  a  point  of  land  called  Namquit,  a  little 
below  Pawtuxet,  on  the  Narragansett  River,  within  this  colony.  About  three- 
quarters  of  an  hour  after  twelve  o'clock,  at  night,  there  being  but  one  hand 
on  deck,  six  or  seven  boats,  full  of  men,  were  by  him  discovered  drawing  towards 
said  schooner  ;  and  before  many  of  her  hands  had  time  to  get  upon  deck,  was 
boarded  by  the  people  in  the  boats,  who,  as  soon  as  they  had  secured  the  possession 
of  the  schooner,  took  out  the  captain  and  all  the  people,  and  set  them  ashore  on 
the  main  land ;  after  which,  they  set  fire  to  the  schooner.  In  the  attack,  Mr.  Dud 
ingston  was  wounded  by  a  ball  through  his  arm,  from  whence  it  passed  anil  lodged 
in  some  part  of  his  body. 

Mr.  Sessions,  the  Deputy  Governor  of  this  colony,  immediately  upon  hearing  of 
this  unhappy  affair,  went  to  Mr.  Dudingston,  and  offered  him  all  the  help  and  as 
sistance  in  his  power ;  but  Mr.  Dudingston  said  he  wanted  no  favors  for  himself. 

The  Deputy  Governor  then  told  him,  that  he  came  not  only  to  oiler  him  any 
relief  his  distressed  circumstances  might  require,  but  also  to  gain  a  declaration  from 
his  own  mouth  respecting  the  destruction  of  the  schooner  under  his  command,  that 
proper  and  rigorous  measures  might  be  taken  to  discover  and  bring  the  perpetrators 
to  justice. 

Mr.  Dudingston  answered,  he  would  give  him  no  account,  because  of  his  indispo 
sition  ;  and  also,  because  it  was  his  duty  to  forbear  any  thing  of  that  kind,  till  he 
had  done  it  to  his  commanding  officer,  at  a  court  martial,  to  which,  if  he  lived,  he 
must  be  called  ;  but  if  he  died,  he  desired  it  might  all  die  with  him. 

The  Deputy  Governor,  with  the  consent  of  Mr.  Dudingston,  then  proceeded  to 
examine  a  number  of  his  men,  and,  on  the  llth,  transmitted  copies  of  the  most  mate 
rial  of  the  examinations  to  me  ;  upon  the  receipt  whereof,  I  immediately  convened 
such  of  His  Majesty's  Council  and  the  house  of  deputies  as  could  be  seasonably  no 
tified;  and  laid  before  them  the  proceedings  of  the  Deputy  Governor,  which  they  highly 
approved  of,  and  unanimously  recommended  my  issuing  a  proclamation,  with  a  re 
ward  of  £100,  sterling,  for  the  discovery  of  any  of  the  persons  concerned  in  this 
violent  insult  upon  government,  which  I  cheerfully  complied  with,  and  sent  theni 
into  the  several  towns  within  this  colonv. 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  39 

This  transaction  give?  me  the  utmost  uneasiness  ;  and  Your  Lordship  may  be  as 
sured,  that  the  utmost  vigilance  of  the  civil  authority  will  not  be  wanting,  to  bring 
the  perpetrators  to  exemplary  and  condign  punishment ;  and  in  justice  to  the  inhab 
itants  of  the  colony,  I  must  not   omit  mentioning,  that  the  conduct  of  those  who     , 
committed  this  outrage,  is,  by  them,  universally  condemned. 

I  wish.  My  Lord,  those  officers  who  have  lately  been  sent  into  this  colony,  under  a 
pretence  of  assisting  trade,  had  conducted  with  that  temper,  prudence  and  discretion 
which  persons  entrusted  with  the  execution  of  the  laws  ought,  upon  every  occasion, 
to  manifest. 

In  my  last,  I  informed  Your  Lordship,  that  the  inhabitants  had  been  insulted  with 
out  any  just  cause ;  and  I  am  extremely  sorry  that  I  have  still  reason  to  say,  that 
the  trade  of  this  colony  is  interrupted  in  a  most  unprecedented  and  oppressive  man 
ner,  without  contributing,  in  the  least,  to  the  service  of  the  revenue.  Inward  bound 
vessels  have  been  detained  several  days,  without  the  least  colorable  pretext,  and 
then  delivered  \:p. 

One  from  South  Kingstown,  for  having  on  board  a  small  quantity  of  tobacco,  of 
the  growth  of  this  colony,  which  the  owner  was  transporting  to  Newport,  for  a  mar 
ket  ;  another,  for  having  only  three  or  four  dozen  wine  laid  in  by  the  captain,  for  sea 
stores.  The  small  freight  boats,  plying  between  the  several  towns,  with  the  produce 
of  the  colony,  are,  by  the  severity  of  these  officers,  subjected  to  great  inconvenience, 
which  very  sensibly  affects  the  whole  colony  ;  and  particularly,  the  town  of  Newport, 
its  metropolis,  whose  inhabitants  are  principally  supplied  with  the  necessaries  of  life 
by  water ;  and  the  obstructions  they  now  experience,  have  contributed  not  a  little 
to  enhance  the  price  of  fuel  and  provisions,  to  the  great  disadvantage  of  the  town ; 
and  in  my  humble  opinion,  if  such  measures  are  permitted  to  be  pursued,  the  colony 
will  ere  long  be  involved  in  the  deepest  calamity. 

These,  My  Lord,  are  serious  and  important  truths ;  and  as  Your  Lordship,  from 
your  thorough  knowledge  of  the  colony,  must  be  perfectly  acquainted  with  the  na 
ture  ami  extent  of  our  trade,  the  profits  of  which,  ultimately  centering  in  Great 
Britain,  lor  the  purchase  of  her  manufactures,  I  have  no  room  to  doubt  of  Your 
Lordship's  interposition  in  behalf  of  this  colony,  that  all  cause  of  complaint  against 
any  of  the  King's  officers  stationed  here,  may  be  removed,  and  the  inhabitants 
treated  with  that  respect  which  is  due  to  the  subjects  of  His  Britannic  Majesty. 

As  a  proof,  My  Lord,  that  the  trade  of  this  colony  stands  upon  as  fair  and  legal 
a  footing  as  the  trade  of  any  part  of  His  Majesty's  dominions,  out  of  two  hundred 
sail  of  vessels  which  have  entered  this  port  since  the  1st  day  of  March  last,  only 
two  in  that  number  have  been  prosecuted  and  condemned  for  breach  of  acts  of 
trade,  one  of  which,  belongs  to  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  notwithstanding  they  have 
been  searched  and  rummaged  with  the  greatest  severity.  These  two  vessels,  al 
though  seized  and  condemned  here,  were  sent  by  Capt.  Linzee,  of  the  Beaver,  and 
Lieut.  Dudingston,  to  Boston,  for  sale,  in  direct  opposition  to  the  orders  of  the  court 
of  vice  admiralty,  within  this  colony  ;  and  the  marshal  of  the  said  court  prevented 
by  force  from  libelling  one  of  these  vessels  for  payment  of  the  mariners'  wages. 

These,  My  Lord,  are  but  a  few  of  the  many  grievances  which  the  people  of  this 
colony  have  been  for  months  past  harrassed  and  perplexed  with  ;  but  as  the  Gen 
eral  Assembly  will  soon  be  convened,  I  make  no  doubt  they  will  order  a  more  par 
ticular  remonstrance  to  be  made. 

In  the  mean  time,  permit  me,  My  Lord,  to  implore  your  attention  to  the  com- 


40  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

plaints  of  a  much  abused  and  injured  people,  whoso  loyalty  and  affection  to  their 
sovereign,  claims  Your  Lordship's  countenance  and  patronage.* 

I  am,  &c.,  &c.,  J.  WANTON. 

To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Earl  of  Ilillsborough. 

"  There  is  little  room  to  doubt,"  as  Judge  Staples  observes, 
<cbut  that  Governor  Wanton  and  the  officers  of  the  colony 
would  have  been  satisfied  that  the  authors  of  the  mischief 
should  remain  undiscovered  ;  although  their  duty  as  officers, 
and  their  interests,  required  them  to  exhibit  a  great  zeal  and 
loyalty  on  the  occasion. 

On  the  other  hand,  Admiral  Montagu  and  his  brother  officers 
in  the  navy  and  revenue,  were  sincere  in  their  exertions  to 
bring  the  perpetrators  to  condign  punishment."  This  appears 
from  the  following  letter,  relative  to  the  deposition  of  the  negro 
Aaron,  which  is  often  referred  to  in  the  proceedings  which 
follow. 


*  The  following  extract  of  a  letter,  relating  to  the  Gaspee  affair,  is  found  with  the  cor 
respondence  of  Admiral  Montagu,  in  the  state  paper  office.  It  does  not  appear  to  whom  it 
was  written. 

"  Charles  Dudley,  Esq.,  to 


Rhode  Island,  23d  July,  1772. 

*  *  The  attack  upon  the  Gaspee  was  not  the  effect  of  sudden  passion  and  resentment, 
but  of  cool  deliberation  and  fore-thought.  *  It  had  long  been  determined  she  should  be 
destroyed. 

The  paragraph  in  the  enclosed  newspaper,  under  the  Newport  head,  was  the  prelude  to 
the  diabolical  scene.  *  * 

The  next  public  step,  was  a  memorial  or  petition  from  the  merchants  in  Providence  ;  first 
laid  before  the  superior  court  of  judicature,  then  sittin'g  in  the  town,  and  afterwards  before 
the  Governor,  praying  that  the  commander  of  an  armed  vessel,  then  cruising  in  the  bay, 
should  be  called  upon  by  the  civil  authority,  to  know  by  what  powers  he  was  authorised  to 
search  ships  and  other  vessels  on  the  high  seas ;  though  it  was  notorious  that  the  armed 
vessel  in  question,  sailed  under  British  colors,  and  belonged  to  His  Britannic  Majesty. 

The  piece  from  the  paper,  Newport,  February  24,  speaks  of  an  armed  schooner,  that  had 
seized  ten  or  twelve  hogsheads  of  rum  the  first  part  of  last  week ;  also,  last  Thursday, 
three  hogsheads  of  molasses,  belonging  to  a  poor  man.  Some  say,  this  piratical  schooner 
belongs  to  King  George  the  Third ;  but  we  should  think  it  a  little  below  His  Br-t-n-c 
Majesty,  to  keep  men-of-war  employed  in  robbing  some  of  his  poorest  subjects." 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  41 


Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Boston,  8th  July,  1772. 

Sir : — By  express,  last  night,  from  Capt.  Linzee,  of  His  Majesty's  sloop  Beaver,  I 
received  the  enclosed  account ;  and,  although  it  comes  from  a  negro  man,  it  carries 
with  it  the  appearance  of  truth,  as  it  agrees  in  many  circumstances  with  Lieutenant 
Dudingston's  letter  (to  me),  and  also  with  the  deposition  of  the  midshipman  of  the 
Gaspee ;  added  to  this,  a  man  belonging  to  the  Gaspec,  swears  to  this  negro's  being 
in  the  boat  that  put  him  ashore,  and  challenged  him  as  soon  as  he  saw  him  come 
on  board  the  Beaver. 

These  corroborating  circumstances,  put  it  out  of  all  doubt  with  me,  that  he  was 
actually  concerned  in  taking  and  burning  the  King's  schooner.  And  as  he  has  im 
peached  several  others  that  were  concerned  in  that  piratical  act,  I  am  to  beg  Your 
Excellency  will  get  the  people  mentioned  in  the  enclosed  account,  apprehended, 
that  they  may  be  examined  before  you,  in  the  presence  of  Lieutenant  Dudingston, 
who,  I  dare  say,  will  remember  the  person  of  the  surgeon  that  dressed  his  wounds ; 
and  may  possibly  recollect  the  persons  of  Potter  and  Brown,  who  appear  to  me,  to 
have  been  the  ring-leaders  in  destroying  His  Majesty's  schooner. 

As  this  affair  was  transacted  in  Your  Excellency's  government,  I  must  totally 
rely  on  you,  to  have  these  people  secured,  and  (if  there  is  sufficient  proof  against 
them)  brought  to  justice.  I  doubt  not  but  that  you  will  exert  yourself  as  much  as 
is  in  your  power ;  and  I  flatter  myself,  that,  with  your  assistance,  the  King  will 
have  justice  done  him,  and  the  offenders  brought  to  punishment ;  which  I  hope  will 
in  future  prevent  the  King's  officers  from  being,  upon  all  occasions,  insulted,  and 
check  the  lawless  and  piratical  behaviour  of  the  people  of  Rhode  Island. 

I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  MONTAGU. 

To  His  Excellency  Governor  Wanton. 

P.  S.  I  should  be  glad  if  Your  Excellency  would  inform  me,  whether  this  act 
was  committed  on  the  high  seas,  or  in  the  body  of  the  county  ;  if  on  the  former,  I 
doubt  not  but,  as  one  of  the  commissioners,  you  will  use  every  proper  method  to  get 
them  apprehended,  that  they  may  be  tried. 

If  you  should  think  it  proper  to  take  the  negro's  deposition  on  oath,  I  should  be 
glad  if  you  would  suffer  a  proper  person  to  go  on  board  the  Swan,  to  take  it ;  and 
that  you  will  favor  me  with  a  copy  of  it. 

Statement  of  the  Negro  Aaron. 

Aaron,  a  negro  man,  lias  declared  that  he  rowed  from  Providence,  the  evening 
His  Majesty's  schooner  Gaspee  was  burnt,  towards  Warren,  where  he  met  a  man, 
called  Potter,  of  Bristol,  in  a  rowing  boat,  with  eight  men,  armed  with  pistols,  guns 
and  clubs ;  the  said  Potter  desired  him  to  go  with  him. 

In  consequence  of  Potter's  desire,  I  rowed  by  his  boat,  until  I  came  within  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  King's  schooner,  that  was  on  shore  on  a  spite  of  land.  I 
then  got  into  Potter's  boat,  by  his  desire  ;  he  told  me,  with  others,  that  he  was  to  join 
other  boats,  that  were  coming  down  from  Providence,  in  order  to  burn  the  King's 

6 


42  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

schooner,  that  lay  on  shore.  In  about  half  an  hour  after,  we  joined  seventeen  boats 
from  Providence,  commanded,  as  they  informed  me,  by  John  Brown. 

Immediately  after  the  boats  joined  company,  we  rowed  towards  the  schooner ;  be 
fore  we  came  close  to  the  schooner,  they  hailed  the  boats,  and  forbid  them  coming 
on  board  ;  but  notwithstanding  the  officer  of  the  schooner  forbidding  the  boats 
to  come  on  board,  we  had  orders  to  row  up  to  the  schooner  ;  which  we  did  imme 
diately,  and  boarded  her. 

I  saw  Brown  fire  a  musket  when  in  the  boat,  under  the  bows ;  the  captain  of 
the  schooner  immediately  fell  from  the  place  he  was  standing  on ;  the  surgeon,  that 
was  ordered  to  dress  the  captain,  was  a  tall,  thin  man,  called  AVeeks,  of  Warwick ; 
very  soon  after  we  got  on  board  the  schooner,  the  rnens'  hands,  belonging  to  the 
schooner,  were  tied  behind  their  backs,  and  put  in  boats  and  put  on  shore. 

I  rowed  the  bow  oar  in  the  boat  that  the  captain  came  on  shore  in  ;  I  think  there 
were  five  people  belonging  to  the  schooner,  in  the  boat.  The  captain  lay  abaft  all 
the  oars ;  Potter,  of  Bristol,  was  in  the  boat,  and  John  Brown,  of  Providence ; 
Brown  steered  the  boat  on  shore  ;  I  had  on  a  red  and  white  spotted  handkerchief, 
tied  on  my  head,  and  two  frocks  on  my  body. 

A  list  of  five  men's  names,  that  were  concerned  in  destroying  His  Majesty's 
schooner  Gaspee : 

John  Brown  and  Joseph  Brown,  principal  men  of  the  town  of  Providence  : 
Simeon  Potter,  of  Bristol ;  Doctor  Weeks,  of  Warwick ;  —  -  Richmond,  of 
Providence. 

N.  B.  One  of  the  Gaspee's  men  declared,  as  soon  as  he  saw  the  negro,  that  he 
was  the  man  that  rowed  the  bow  oar  in  the  boat  he  went  on  shore  in ;  and  that  he 
assisted  the  negro  to  row  the  oar. 

Admiral  Montagu,  at  the  same  time,  communicated  the  par 
ticulars  which  he  had  obtained  from  Aaron,  to  the  Earl  of 
Hillsborough.  He  also  takes  the  occasion  to  add  remarks  rela 
tive  to  the  character  of  the  leading  men  supposed  to  have  been 
implicated  in  the  burning  of  the  Gaspee,  which  are  not  at  all 
flattering.  Here  follows  his  letter. 

Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough. 

Boston,  llth  July,  1772. 

My  Lord : — Since  I  had  the  honor  of  writing  to  Your  Lordship  last,  I  have  re 
ceived  an  express  from  Capt.  Lirizee,  of  His  Majesty's  sloop  Beaver,  at  Rhode  Is 
land,  informing  me  he  had  discovered  and  detained  an  indented  black  servant,  who 
was  in  one  of  the  boats  that  boarded  the  Gaspee  schooner;  that  one  of  the  men  now 
on  board  the  Beaver  (late  of  the  Gaspee),  remembered  the  man  the  moment 
he  saw  him. 

Enclosed,  I  transmit  to  Your  Lordship  the  said  black  man's  deposition  (on  being 
examined),  by  which  Your  Lordship  will  be  able  to  judge  of  the  people  concerned, 
and  of  the  measures  necessary  to  be  taken. 

I  beg  leave  to  observe  to  Your  Lordship,  that  I  have  inquired  of  many  of  the 
principal  people  of  this  place,  who  all  knew  Potter,  of  Bristol,  mentioned  in  the  en- 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  43 

closed  deposition,  and  in  general  agree  that  he  is  a  man  of  fortune,  but  of  the  most 
^infamous  character  possible  to  describe ;  and  has  been  guilty  of  almost  every  vice  a 
pirate  can  be  guilty  of.     The  Browns,  of  Providence,  are  principal  people  of  that 
place. 

It  appears  to  me,  My  Lord,  that  these  people  were  the  ringleaders  in  this 
piratical  proceeding.  I  have  therefore,  written  to  Governor  Wanton,  of  Rhode  Is 
land,  and  begged  his  utmost  exertions  may  be  used  for  the  apprehension  and  bring 
ing  to  justice  the  people  mentioned  in  the  said  deposition,  as  principals  in  this  pro 
ceeding  ;  but  the  disposition  of  the  people  of  that  government  in  general,  is  such, 
that  I  cannot  flatter  myself  with  much  success,  unless  some  other  method  is  taken 
for  apprehending  them.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  MONTAGU. 

To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough. 

It  does  not  appear  that  Governor  Wanton  adopted  the 
course  recommended  by  Admiral  Montagu,  to  arrest  the  par 
ties  charged  by  the  negro  Aaron,  with  being  concerned  in  the 
burning  of  the  Gaspee.  Whether  he  knew  they  were  con 
cerned  in  the  affair,  which  is  probable,  and  desired  to  screen 
them,  or  whether  he  disbelieved  the  statement  of  Aaron,  and 
determined  to  make  it  so  appear,  the  reader  must  judge.  But 
it  seems  he  lost  no  time  in  obtaining  the  following  affidavits. 

Affidavits  going  to  disprove  Aaron's  Statement. 

Samuel  Thurston,  of  the  island  of  Prudence,  in  the  township  of  Portsmouth,  in 
the  county  of  Newport,  of  lawful  age,  declareth  and  saith: 

That  Aaron,  a  mulatto  lad,  of  about  sixteen  years  of  age,  now  on  board  His 
Majesty's  ship,  the  Swan,  commanded  by  Capt.  Ayscough,  is  an  indented  servant  to 
Samuel  Tompkins,  of  Prudence,  aforesaid,  son-in-law  to  the  said  Samuel  Thurston  ; 
which  Samuel  Tompkins  hath  lived  in  the  same  house  with  the  declarant  for  many 
years  past,  and  have  jointly  managed  a  farm  together  ;  that  he  is  fully  persuaded 
the  said  Aaron  hath  not  been  off  from  the  said  island  for  more  than  twelve  months 
preceding  the  2d  day  of  July  instant ;  on  the  night  of  which,  the  said  Aaron  stole  their 
boat,  and  went  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship,  the  Beaver  ;  that  particularly  on  the 
night  after  the  9th  of  June  last,  being  the  same  night  that  His  Majesty's  schooner 
the  Gaspee,  was  burnt,  he  is  well  assured  that  the  said 'Aaron  remained  in  his  house 
the  whole  of  the  night,  he  having  seen  him  on  the  evening  and  early  in  the  mornin" 
of  the  10th,  at  his  work. 

That,  at  that  time,  there  was  but  one  boat  at  that  end  of  said  island,  which  was 
then  so  much  out  of  repair,  that  the  said  declarant  thinks  she  could  not  swim,  and 
then  lay  bottom  upwards  in  order  to  be  refitted,  being  the  same  boat  the  said 
Aaron  stole  after  she  was  repaired. 

That  he,  the  declarant,  thinks  it  absolutely  impossible,  that  the  said  Aaron 
should  have  been,  that  night,  any  where  near  the  place  where  the  said  schooner 
was  burnt;  and  that  the  said  Aaron  remained  at  home  from  the  said  9th  of  June 


44  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE. 

nnti  the  2d  day  of  July ;  and  never,  during  that  time,  gave  him  the  least  in 
formation,  suggestion  or  hint  of  his  having  any  knowledge  of  the  business  of  the 
said  schooner.  SAM'L  THURSTON, 

Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  &c.,    -» 
Newport,  July  10,  1772.       j" 

Personally  appeared  Samuel  Thurston,  (one  of  the  people  called  Quakers,)  and 
on  his  solemn  affirmation,  declared  that  the  above  written  declaration  is  true, 
before—  J.  WANTON, 

Governor. 

Samuel  Tompkins,  of  the  island  of  Prudence,  in  the  township  of  Portsmouth,  in 
the  county  of  Newport,  on  oath  declareth  and  saith  : 

That  Aaron,  a  mulatto  lad  of  about  sixteen  years  of  age,  now  on  board  His  Maj 
esty's  ship,  the  Swan,  commanded  by  Capt.  Ayscough,  is  an  indented  servant  to  the 
deponent ;  that  he  is  fully  persuaded  the  said  Aaron  hath  not  been  off  from  the  said 
island  more  than  once  or  twice  for  twelve  months  preceding  the  2d  of  July  last,  in 
the  night  of  which,  the  said  Aaron  stole  a  boat  belonging  to  the  deponent  and  his 
father-in-law,  Mr.  Samuel  Thurston,  and  went  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship,  the 
Beaver. 

That  particularly,  on  the  night  after  the  9th  of  June  last,  being  the  same  night 
that  His  Majesty's  schooner,  the  Gaspee  was  burnt,  he  is  well  assured  that  the  said 
Aaron  remained  in  his  house  the  whole  of  the  night ;  he  having  seen  him  about  nine 
o'clock,  that  evening,  with  the  rest  of  the  servants,  in  the  family,  about  which  time 
they  retired  to  bed  ;  and,  also,  very  early  in  the  morning  of  the  10th.  the  said  Aaron; 
according  to  his  usual  custom,  brought  the  cows  into  the  yard,  to  be  milked. 

That,  at  the  time,  there  was  but  one  boat  at  that  end  of  the  island,  which  was 
then  so  much  out  of  repair,  that  the  deponent  is  confident  she  could  not  swim,  and 
then  lay  bottom  upwards,  in  order  to  be  re-fitted,  being  the  same  boat  the  said 
Aaron  stole  after  she  was  repaired. 

That  he,  the  said  deponent,  thinks  it  absolutely  impossible  that  the  said  Aaron 
should  have  been  that  night  any  where  near  the  place  where  the  schooner  Gaspee 
was  burnt ;  and  that  he,  the  said  Aaron,  remained  at  home  from  the  said  9th  of  June, 
until  the  said  2d  day  of  July  ;  and  never,  during  that  time,  gave  him  the  least  in 
formation,  suggestion  or  hint  of  his  having  any  the  least  knowledge  of  the  destruc 
tion  of  the  said  schooner.  SAM'L  TOMPKINS. 

Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  &c., 

Newport,  July  11,  1772. 
Mr.  Samuel  Tompkins  personally  appeared,  and  made   solemn  oath  to  the  truth 
of  the  above  depdsition  by  him  subscribed,  before —  J.  WANTON, 

Governor. 

Somerset,  a  mulatto,  and  Jack,  a  negro,  indented  servants,  living  with  Samuel 
Thurston  and  Samuel  Tompkins,  on  the  island  of  Prudence,  in  the  township  of 
Portsmouth,  in  the  county  of  Newport,  of  lawful  age,  on  oith  severally  depose  and 
say: 

That  to  their  certain  knowledge,  Aaron,  a  mulatto  lad,  who  is  also  an  indented 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  45 

servant  to  the  said  Samuel  Tompkins,  and  now,  as  they  are  informed,  on  board  of  a 
man-of-war,  has  not  been  oft'  from  said  island  for  many  month;)  preceding  the  2d  day 
cf  July  instant  ;  in  the  night  of  which,  the  said  Aaron  stole  a  boat  belonging  to  the 
said  Samuol  Thurston  and  Samuel  Tompkins,  and  went  on  board  a  man-of-war. 

That  the  said  Aaron  has  slept  with  the  deponents  in  the  same  bed  for  several 
years  ;  and  particularly  on  the  night  the  schooner  called  the  Gaspee,  was  burnt,  the 
said  Aaron  was  at  home,  at  the  dwelling-house  of  the  said  Thurston  and  Tompkins, 
and  that  he,  the  said  Aaron,  lay  in  the  same  room  and  be  1  with  the  deponents  the 
whole  of  that  night  ;  having  retired  to  bed  together,  between  nine  and  ten  o'clock, 
in  the  evening. 

And  the  deponents  severally  say,  that  they  have  never  had  the  least  hint  or  in 
formation,  from  the  said  Aaron,  of  his  having  any  knowledge  of  the  burning  of  the 
said  schooner  Gaspee  ;  and  that  they  are  well  assured  that  he  knows  nothing  of 
the  transaction.  And  the  deponents  further  say  not. 


The  mark  of       j       .  SOMERSET. 
The  mark  of  X    JACK. 


Colony  of  Rhode  Inland,  &c.,    -\ 
Newport,  July  11,  1772.       j 

Tn  their  proper  persons  came  and  appeared  the  above  named  Somerset  and 
Jack ;  and  after  being  cautioned  to  tell  the  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  made 
solemn  oath  to  the  above  deposition,  to  Avhich  they  have  made  their  respective 
marks.  Before—  J.  WANTON, 

Governor. 

About  the  same  time,  Capt.  Linzee,  of  the  Beaver,  then 
lying  in  Newport,  caused  the  following  deposition  to  be 
taken : 


Deposition  of  Patrick  Earle. 

The  deposition  of  Patrick  Earle,  of  lawful  age,  lately  belonging  to  His  Majesty's 
armed  schooner,  Gaspee,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  but  now  to  His 
Majesty's  ship,  the  Beaver,  commanded  by  John  Linzee,  Esq.  This  deponent 
saith : 

That  after  a  number  of  boats  boarded  the  said  schooner,  as  she  lay  aground,  and 
the  peoples'  hands  were  tied,  he,  with  several  others,  was  put  into  the  same  boat 
that  the  captain  was  carried  ashore  in  ;  and  that  he  helped  a  negro  man,  called 
Aaron  Briggs,  to  row  the  bow  oar,  which  negro  is  now  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship 
Beaver,  who  hath  sworn  that  he  did  row  ashore  with  the  bow  oar;  and  further  saith 
not.  The  mark  of  X  PATRICK  EARLE. 

Sworn  in  Newport,  16th  July,  1772.     Before  me — 

CHARLES  BARDIN, 

Justice  of  the  Peace. 


46  THE   DESTRUCTION   OF   THE   GASPEE. 

The  statement  of  the  mulatto  boy  Aaron,  taken  on  board  the 
Beaver,  seemed  hardly  sufficient  to  warrant  the  arrest  of  the 
respectable  parties,  which  he  had  endeavored  to  implicate  in 
the  transaction,  in  question. 

Governor  Wanton,  therefore,  very  properly  desiring  that  he 
should  be  examined  by  the  civil  authority,  conformably  to  law, 
addressed  the  following  note  to  the  captain  of  the  Beaver. 

The   Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to    Captain   Linzee,  of    His 
Majesty's  ship  Beaver. 

Newport,  July  ICth,  1772. 

Sir : — Having  received  information  from  the  Honorable  Admiral  Montagu,  that 
Aaron,  a  mulatto  lad,  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship,  the  Beaver,  under  your  com 
mand,  has  confessed  that  he  was  concerned  in  destroying  His  Majesty's  schooner, 
the  Gaspee,  as  she  lay  aground  on  Namquit  Point,  in  the  county  of  Kent,  within 
this  colony  ;  and  as  it  is  highly  necessary  that  tliis  lad  should  be  examined  by  the 
civil  authority,  concerning  what  he  knows  of  that  affair,  I  have  directed  the  sheriff 
to  wait  upon  you,  and  request  that  you  would  deliver  Aaron  into  his  custody,  in 
order  to  be  brought  on  shore,  that  such  proceedings  may  be  had  and  done  in  this 
matter,  as  are  agreeably  to  law. 

The  King's  attorney  general  will  attend  the  examination  ;  and  I  should  be  glad 
if  you,  or  any  of  your  officers,  would  likewise  attend. 

If  you  are  of  opinion  that  it  is  most  for  His  Majesty's  service  to  return  Aaron  on 
board  your  ship  after  he  has  been  examined,  instead  of  committing  him  to  jail, 
you  may  be  assured  it  shall  be  done. 

Mr.  Brenton  also  waits  on  you,  whose  opinion  on  matters  of  law,  may  be  of 
service  to  you  in  this  important  affair.  I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  WANTON. 

To  John  Linzee,  Esq.,  commanding  His  Majesty's  ship,  the  Beaver. 

Warrant  to  the  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Newport,  for  the  Arrest 
of  the  Negro  Aaron. 

Colony  of  Rhode  Island. 

^^        GEORGE  THE  THIRD,  by  the  grace  of  God,  King  of  Great  Britain, 
•j  L.  S.  |         France  and  Ireland,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c.     To  the  sheriff  of  the 
county  of  Newport,  or  his  lawful  deputy,  greceting  : 

Whereas,  I  have  received  information,  that  Aaron,  a  mulatto  lad,  otherwise 
called  Aaron  Bowler,  alias  Briggs,  now  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship,  the  Beaver, 
under  the  command  of  Captain  John  Linzee,  in  the  harbor  of  Newport,  aforesaid, 
with  divers  other  malefactors,  to  me  as  yet  unknown,  did,  in  the  night  of  the  9th  of 
June  last,  unlawfully  and  riotously  assemble  and  gather  together  to  disturb  the 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OP    THE    GASPEE.  47 

peace  of  our  paid  lord  the  King ;  and  being  so  assembled  and  gathered  together, 
with  force  and  arms,  an  attack  did  make  upon  His  Majesty's  schooner,  the  Gaspee, 
under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  William  Dudiugston,  as  she  lay  aground  on  a 
point  of  land,  called  Namquit,  within  the  township  of  Warwick,  in  the  county  of 
Kent,  in  the  colony  aforesaid  ;  and  him,  the  said  William  Dudingston,  then  and 
there,  being  in  the  peace  of  our  said  lord  the  King,  did  dangerously  wound,  and  the 
said  schooner  then  and  there  did  wickedly,  wilfully  and  feloniously  burn  and  destroy, 
against  the  peace  of  our  said  lord  the  King,  his  crown  and  dignity. 

Therefore,  in  the  name  of  our  sovereign  lord  the  King,  I  command  and  charge 
you,  that  immediately  upon  the  receipt  hereof,  you  repair  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship 
Beaver,  aforesaid,  and  make  diligent  search  for  the  said  Aaron  ;  and  if  he  be  by  you 
found,  to  brinu  him  before  me,  or  some  other  lawful  authority  within  this  colony,  to 
be  examined  concerning  the  premises,  that  such  other  proceedings  may  be  had  and 
done,  as  to  law  and  justice  doth  appertain. 

Hereof  fail  you  not,  as  you  will  answer  the  contrary  at  your  peril ;  and  make  true 
return  of  this  warrant  with  your  doings  thereon. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal,  this  16th  day  of  July,  in  the  twelfth  year  of 
His  Majesty's  reign.     Anno  Domini  1772. 

METCALFE  BOWLER, 

Just,  of  Assize. 

Newport,  July  17,  1772. 

By  virtue  of  the  within  warrant,  I  waited  upon  John  Linzee,  Esq.,  within  men 
tioned,  who  refused  to  deliver  up  the  within  named  Aaron,  in  presence  of  James 
Brenton,  Esq.  ROBERT  LILLIBRIDGE,  JR., 

D.  Sheriff. 

This  request  of  Governor  Wanton,  was  treated  by  Capt. 
Linzee  with  great  contempt,  and  utterly  disregarded  by  him, 
as  will  appear  by  the  Governor's  letter  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

It  appears,  from  the  following  letter  from  Lieutenant  Dud 
ingston,  to  Admiral  Montagu,  that  his  fears  for  his  personal 
safety,  were  not  wholly  removed. 

Lieutenant  Dudingston  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Brenton's  Point,  near 
Newport,  July  1772. 
Sir  : — This  day  I  received  yours  of  the  8th  inst.,  and  am  hardly  able  to  give  an 
swer,  from  the  painful  situation  I  am  in  ;  nor  is  it  possible,  at  present,  for  me  to  be  of 
the  least  use  in  respect  to  the  negro. 

I  have  no  doubt  of  his  being  in  the  boat  with  me,  and  it  is  what  I  expected,  that 
the  Governor  would  say  he  was  an  impostor  ;  and  I  cannot  help  telling  you,  that, 
without  I  was  able  to  retire  to  a  ship,  I  should  not  exist  one  night  on  shore,  if  I  was 
capable  to  make  oath  to  any  one  of  the  people  mentioned. 


48  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    OASPEE. 

I  beg  this  may  be  private,  till  I  can  be  moved  ;  as  the  eopy  of  the  former  letter, 
being  made  public  to  the  people  by  the  Governor,  puts  me  in  great  danger. 

I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c., 

W.  DUDIXGSTON. 

To  Admiral  Montagu. 

Governor  Wanton  next  communicated  to  Admiral  Montagu, 
the  proceedings  he  had  taken  in  relation  to  Aaron  ;  expresses 
his  firm  conviction  that  he  was  not  present  at  the  burning  of 
the  Gaspee  ;  and  that,  from  his  notoriously  bad  character,  his 
word  should  not  be  believed.  He  also  makes  known  to  the 
Admiral  his  application  to  Capt.  Linzee,  for  Aaron,  and  the 
contempt  with  which  he  treated  his  request,  which  request,  it 
seems,  was  in  accordance  with  the  advice  of  one  of  the  judges 
of  the  supreme  court.  - 

The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Newport,  July  22,  1772. 

Sir  : — Your  favor  of  the  8th  inst,  I  have  received,  together  with  the  information 
given  by  one  Aaron,  a  mulatto  servant,  relative  to  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee  ; 
on  receiving  of  which,  I  pursued  every  measure  in  my  power  to  investigate  and  find 
out  the  truth  of  the  various  assertions  comprised  in  his  declaration. 

For  which  end,  I  caused  to  be  examined  on  oath,  some  of  the  family  with  whom 
this  declarant  lived  as  a  servant ;  persons  of  credit  and  established  character,  who 
were  separately  examined,  and  whose  testimony  perfectly  agreed  in  every  circum 
stance,  on  such  examination ;  by  which,  and  from  the  general  bad  character  of  the 
declarant.  I  was  fully  convinced  that  no  regard  could  be  had  to  this  information  ;  that 
the  declarant  could  not  be  present  at  the  time  when  this  offence  was  committed  ;  as 
it  is  fully  proved  that  he  was  at  home,  on  an  island,  near  seven  miles  from  the  place 
where  the  disaster  happened. 

However,  being  very  solicitous  that  every  inquiry  should  be  made,  that  might  re 
flect  light  on  this  unhappy  affair,  I  had  a  conference  with  one  of  the  judges  of  the 
superior  court,  before  whom  this  matter  must  finally  come  to  be  adjudged,  who  gave 
it  as  his  opinion,  that  it  was  absolutely  necessary  that  this  declarant  should  be  de 
livered  up  to  the  civil  authority,  to  be  properly  examined.  He  therefore  issued  his 
warrant  to  take  Aaron  into  his  custody. 

At  the  same  time,  I  wrote  Capt.  Linzee  a  letter,  requesting  him  to  deliver  him  to 
the  sheriff,  in  order  to  his  being  examined ;  both  which,  were  treated  by  Capt. 
Linzee  with  great  contempt,  and  by  him  utterly  disregarded. 

What  could  be  his  motives  or  reasons  for  such  his  conduct,  I  am  not  able  to  ac 
count  for.  It  certainly  is  a  great  contempt  of  the  civil  authority  of  this  colony,  who. 
have  the  only  power  and  jurisdiction  to  try  all  and  every  offence  committed  within 
the  same,  to  refuse  delivering  up  an  offender,  who,  by  his  own  confession,  hath  ac- 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE.  49 

knowledged  his  guilt,  and  what  is  sufficient  for  his  conviction,  supposing  what  he 
hath  declared,  to  be  true  ;  and,  if  otherwise,  he  ought  to  be  proceeded  against 
agreeably  to  law,  and  punished  according  to  his  oiFence. 

I  have  transmitted  to  you  the  several  depositions,  by  which,  I  apprehend  you  will 
agree  with  me  in  opinion,  that  no  dependence  can  be  had  on  the  declaration  given 
by  the  informant,  but  must  wholly  be  disregarded.  Villainy  of  this  kind,  is  not  new. 
We  have  a  recent  instance  of  this  sort,  at  home.  Britain  and  others,  conspiring  in 
the  most  horrid  manner,  to  charge  the  officers  of  state  with  a  crime  that  the  whole 
world  knew  they  could  not  possibly  be  guilty  of. 

The  schooner,  when  she  was  destroyed,  lay  aground,  in  a  narrow  river,  near 
thirty  miles  from  the  main  sea  ;  and  as  all  ports  and  havens  are  infra  corpus  comi- 
tatus,  I  am  of  opinion,  that,  in  this  case,  the  admiral  hath  no  jurisdiction.  His 
Honor  the  Chief  Justice,  has  favored  me  with  his  opinion  on  this  matter,  which  here 
with  I  enclose. 

When  Aaron  is  delivered  into  the  hands  of  the  civil  authority,  whatever  is  legal 
and  necessary,  will  undoubtedly  be  done.  I  have  advised  with  the  King's  attorney, 
whose  opinion  and  advice  coincides  with  what  I  have  written  on  the  subject  of 
Aaron's  declaration.  I  am  Your  Honor's 

Most  obedient  humble  servant, 

J.  WANTON. 

To  the  Honorable  Admiral  Montagu. 

Admiral  Montagu  in  reply  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Boston,  1st  September,  1772. 

Sir  : — I  received  your  letter,  dated  22d  July,  with  three  depositions  enclosed.  I 
deferred  answering  it,  till  I  had  seen  and  examined  Aaron,  the  black  indented  ser 
vant,  who  says  he  was  in  one  of  the  boats  that  boarded  and  burnt  the  Gaspee ;  and 
it  is  clear  to  me,  from  many  corroborating  circumstances,  that  he  is  no  impostor. 

Sorry  I  am,  that  no  regard  can  be  had  to  his  information  in  your  opinion.  In  my 
opinion,  the  depositions  Your  Excellency  sent  me,  prove  nothing  that  confutes  any 
thing  he  has  said. 

However,  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  do  more  than  I  have,  to  bring  the  offenders  to 
justice  ;  the  whole  must  rest  with  you,  who  are  upon  the  spot.  I  find  the  master  of 
Aaron,  the  black,  has  arrested  Capt.  Linzee,  for  the  detention  of  his  servant ;  therefore, 
as  Capt.  Linzee  has  done  nothing  but  by  my  orders,  I  have  bailed  him,  and  will  keep 
the.  fellow.  I  did  intend  sending  him  to  you,  had  not  his  master  taken  this  step. 

I  shall  not  trouble  Your  Excellency  any  more  on  the  subject  of  the  Gaspee,  but 
leave  the  result  of  the  whole  conduct  of  His  Majesty's  good  subjects  at  Rhode  Island 
to  him  and  his  ministers ;  and  am,  sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

J.  MONTAGU. 

To  Governor  Wanton. 

Here  ended  the  proceedings  of  the  colony,  and  the  corres 
pondence  with  the  English  admiral,  in  relation  to  this  subject, 
previous  to  the  action  upon  it  by  the  British  government; 


50  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

From  various  references,  it  appears  that  under  date  of  the 
4th  of  September,  1772,  Lord  Dartmouth  addressed  a  letter  to 
Governor  Wanton,  transmitting  the  royal  proclamation,  com 
mission,  instructions,  etc.  ;  which  letter,  unfortunately,  is  not 
found  in  the  files  of  the  secretary's  office  ;  nor  does  it  appear 
in  the  compilation  of  Judge  Staples.* 

In  writing  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  on  the  20th  February, 
1773,  Judge  Horsmanden,  one  of  the  royal  commissioners, 
says  on  his  arrival  in  Rhode  Island ^  on  the  31st  December, 
1772,  in  pursuance  of  His  Lordship's  instructions,  "  he  was 
surprised  to  find  that  the  main  object  of  our  errand,  was  be 
come  public,  which,  in  prudence,  was  to  be  kept  secret ;  nev 
ertheless,  Your  Lordship's  letter  to  Governor  Wanton,  was 
published  in  the  Boston  weekly  paper,  and  spread  industri 
ously  over  all  New  England.  However  amazing  to  us,  upon 
inquiry  it  came  out,  that  the  Governor  had  communicated  it  to 
his  Assembly,  who  had  got  it  printed.  Upon  expostulating  with 
the  Governor  upon  it,  he  said,  he  was,  by  law,  obliged  to  com 
municate  all  dispatches  from  the  ministry  to  his  corporation, 
and  sworn  so  to  do,"  etc.f 

*  Governor  Wanton,  in  his  letter  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  dated  December  24,  1772, 
mentions  this  letter. 

t  In  a  subsequent  letter  to  Governor  Wanton,  which  will  be  found  in  the  order  of  its 
date,  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  complains  of  the  publication  of  his  letter  of  the  4th  of  Septem 
ber,  in  the  common  newspaper,  parts  of  which,  were  "  secret  and  confidential,  and  addressed 
personally"  to  himself.  His  Lordship  fears,  too,  that  this  act  "cannot  be  considered  as 
entirely  corresponding  with  the  assurances  given,  of  paying  the  strictest  attention  and 
deference  to  such  orders"  as  he  may  transmit  to  the  Governor. 

The  following  letters  from  Governor  Hutchinson,  of  Massachusetts,  to  a  gentleman  in 
London,  are  from  "  The  Remembrancer,"  for  the  year  1776,  Vol.  II.,  p.  59  : 

Governor  Hutchinson  to  Secretary  Pownall. 

"  Boston,  29th  August,  1772. 

Dear  Sir  : — I  troubled  you  with  a  long  letter  the  2lst  July.  Give  me  leave  now  only  to 
add  one  or  two  things,  which  I  then  intended,  but  to  avoid  being  too  tedious,  omitted. 

People  in  this  province,  both  friends  and  enemies  to  government,  are  in  great  expecta 
tions  from  the  late  affair  at  Rhode  Island,  of  the  burning  the  King's  schooner ;  and  they  con 
sider  the  mauner  in  which  the  news  of  it  will  be  received  in  England,  and  the  measures  to 
be  taken,  as  decisive.  If  it  is  passed  over  without  a  full  inquiry  and  due  resentment,  our 
liberty  people  will  think  they  may  with  impunity  commit  any  acts  of  violence,  be  they 
ever  so  atrocious,  and  the  friends  to  government  will  despond  and  give  up  all  hopes  of  being 
able  to  withstand  the  faction. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  51 

In  the  "  Massachusetts  Spy,  or  Thomas's  Weekly  Journal," 
published  at  Boston,  on  the  31st  December,  1772,  is  the  fol 
lowing,  which  is  doubtless  the  chief  portion  of  the  missing 
letter  referred  to. 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Lord  Dartmouth  to  the  Governor  of 

Rhode  Island. 

"  The  following  may  be  depended  upon,  as  a  genuine  extract  of  the  letter  from 
Lord  Dartmouth,  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island,  dated  Whitehall,  September 
4,  1772: 

'  The  particulars  of  that  atrocious  proceeding  (referring  to  the  burning  the 
Gaspee  schooner),  have,  by  the  King's  command,  been  examined  and  considered 
with  the  greatest  attention ;  and  although  there  are  some  circumstances  attending 
it,  in  regard  to  the  robbery  and  plunder  of  the  vessel,  which,  separately  considered, 
might  bring  it  within  the  description  of  an  act  of  piracy,  yet,  in  the  obvious  view  of 
the  whole  transaction,  and  taking  all  the  circumstances  together,  the  offence  is, 
in  the  opinion  of  the  law  servants  of  the  crown,  who  have  been  consulted  upon  that 
question,  of  a  much  deeper  dye,  and  is  considered  in  no  other  light,  than  as  an  act 
of  high  treason,  viz.  :  levying  war  against  the  King. 

And,  in  order  that  you  may  have  all  proper  advice  and  assistance,  in  a  matter  of 
so  great  importance,  His  Majesty  has  thought  fit,  with  the  advice  of  his  Privy 
Council,  to  issue  his  royal  commission,  under  the  great  seal  of  Great  Britain,  nomi 
nating  yourself  and  the  chief  justices  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  and  the  Massachu 
setts  Bay,  together  with  the  judge  of  the  vice  admiralty  court  established  at  Boston, 
to  be  His  Majesty's  commissioners  for  inquiring  into,  and  making  report  to  His 
Majesty,  of  all  the  circumstances  relative  to  the  attacking,  plundering  and  burning 
the  Gaspee  schooner. 

The  persons  who  were  the  immediate  actors,  are  men  of  estate,  and  property,  in  the 
colony.  A  prosecution  is  impossible.  If  ever  the  government  of  that  colony  is  to  be  re. 
formed,  this  seems  to  be  the  time  ;  and  it  would  have  a  happy  effect  in  the  colonies  which 
adjoin  to  it.  Several  persons  have  been  advised  by  letters  from  their  friends,  that  as  the 
ministry  are  united,  and  opposition  at  an  end,  there  will  certainly  be  an  inquiry  into  the 
state  of  America,  the  next  session  of  Parliament.  The  denial  of  the  supremacy  of  Parlia 
ment,  and  the  contempt  with  which  its  authority  has  been  treated  by  the  Lilliputian  As 
semblies  of  America,  can  never  be  justified  or  excused  by  any  one  member  of  either 
House  of  Parliament." 

Governor  Hutchinson  to  Samuel  Hood,  Esq. 

"Boston,  2d  September,  1772. 

Dear  Sir  : — Capt.  Linzee  can  inform  you  of  the  state  of  Rhode  Island  colony  better  than  I 
can  do;  so  daring  an  insult,  as  burning  the  King's  schooner,  by  people  who  are  as  well 
known  as  any  who  were  concerned  in  this  last  rebellion,  and  yet  cannot  be  prosecuted,  will 
certainly  rouse  the  British  lion,  which  has  been  asleep  these  four  or  five  years. 

Admiral  Montagu  says  that  Lord  Sandwich  will  never  leave  pursuing  the  colony,  until  it 
is  disfranchised.  If  it  is  passed  over,  the  other  colonies  will  follow  the  example." 


52  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

The  King  trusts  that  all  persons  in  the  colony,  will  pay  a  due  respect  to  his  royal 
commission,  and  that  the  business  of  it  will  he  carried  on  without  molestation  ;  at  the 
same  time,  the  nature  of  this  offence,  and  the  great  number  of  persons  who  appear 
to  have  been  concerned  in  it,  makes  every  precaution  necessary.  His  Majesty,  has, 
therefore,  for  their  further  support  in  the  execution  of  this  duty,  thought  fit  to  direct 
me  to  signify  his  pleasure  to  Lieutenant  General  Gage,  that  he  do  hold  himself  in 
readiness  to  send  troops  into  Rhode  Island,  whenever  he  shall  be  called  upon  by  the 
commissioners  for  that  purpose,  in  order  to  aid  and  assist  the  civil  magistrate  in  the 
suppression  of  any  riot  or  disturbance,  and  in  the  preservation  of  the  public  peace. 
I  have  only  to  add,  upon  that  head,  that  His  Majesty  depends  on  the  vigilance  of 
the  civil  magistrates  of  the  colony,  to  take  the  proper  measures  for  the  arresting  and 
committing  to  custody,  in  order  to  their  being  brought  to  justice,  such  persons,  as 
shall,  upon  proper  information  made  before  them,  or  before  His  Majestv's  commis 
sioners,  appear  to  have  been  concerned  in  the  plundering  and  destroying  the  Gaspee 
schooner. 

It  is  His  Majesty's  intention,  in  consequence  of  the  advice  of  his  Privy  Council, 
that  the  persons  concerned  in  the  burning  the  Gaspee  schooner,  and  in  the  other 
violences  which  attended  that  daring  insult,  should  be  brouc/lit  to  England,  to  le 
tried ;  and  I  am,  therefore,  to  signify  to  you  His  Majesty's  pleasure,  that  such  of  the 
said  offenders  as  may  have  been,  or  shall  be,  arrested  and  committed  within  the 
colony  of  Rhode  Island,  be  delivered  to  the  care  and  custody  of  Rear  Admiral  Mon 
tagu,  or  the  commander  in  chief  of  His  Majesty's  ships  in  North  America,  for  the 
time  being,  or  to  such  officers  as  he  shall  appoint  to  receive  them ;  taking  care  that 
you  do  give  notice  to  the  persons  accused,  in  order  that  they  may  procure  such  wit 
nesses  on  their  behalf,  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  ;  which  witnesses,  together  with 
all  such  as  may  be  proper,  to  support  the  charge  against  them,  will  lie  received  and 
sent  hither  with  the  prisoners.' " 

At  the  August  session  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  subject 
of  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee,  was  introduced  by  the  fol 
lowing  communication  from  the  Governor  : 

Governor  Wanton  to  the  House  of  Deputies  of  Rhode  Island. 

To  the  House  of  Deputies  : 

Gentlemen  : — The  measures  which  have  been  pursued  for  discovering  the  persons 
who  were  concerned  in  destroying  the  King's  armed  schooner,  the  Gaspee,  as  she 
lay  aground  on  a  point -of  land,  called  Namquit,  in  this  colony,  will  appear  from  the 
several  papers  which  I  have  delivered  to  Mr.  Speaker,  in  order  to  be  laid  before 
you,  for  your  information. 

I  have,  in  consequence  of  that  unhappy  transaction,  addressed  the  Right  Honora 
ble  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  ;  a  copy  of  which,  and  also  what  I  wrote  to  the  agent, 
upon  the  same  occasion,  I  have  delivered  to  Mr.  Speaker. 

I  thought  it  my  duty,  during  the  recess  of  the  Assembly,  to  acquaint  the  secretary 
of  state  with  this  affair,  lest,  by  an  entire  silence,  or  from  misinformation,  any  im 
pressions  might  be  made  prejudicial  to  the  colony. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE   GASPEE.  53 

I  hope  my  proceedings  will  meet  your  approbation  ;  and  submit  to  your  determi 
nation  what  is  further  necessary  to  be  done,  recommending  the  same  to  your  serious 
and  immediate  consideration.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c.,  &c., 

Council  Chamber,  |  J.  WANTON. 

Newport,  August  18th,  1772.  ) 

At  the  same  session,  Deputy  Governor  Sessions  presented 
an  account  for  expenses  incurred  by  him  in  collecting  evidence 
relating  to  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee  ;  for  subsisting  her 
crew,  while  at  Pawtuxet,  and  in  sending  them  on  board  His 
Majesty's  ship,  the  Beaver,  which  lay  in  the  bay  below. 

Mr.  Samuel  Aborn,  of  Pawtuxet,  also  presented  a  bill  for 
securing  the  stores,  anchors,  guns  and  other  effects  belonging 
to  the  burnt  vessel  ;  all  of  which  bills,  were  ordered  to  be 
paid. 

The  following  additional  proceedings  are  from  the  records  of 
the  session  : 

Proceedings  of  the   General  Assembly  of  Rhode  Island,  relative 

to  the  Gaspee. 

Whereas,  His  Honor  the  Governor,  hath  laid  before  this  As 
sembly,  a  full  and  particular  narrative  of  the  measures  he  hath 
pursued,  in  consequence  of  the  burning  of  His  Majesty's 
schooner,  the  Gaspee  ;  and  of  the  steps  he  hath  taken  to  dis 
cover  the  perpetrators  of  that  atrocious  piece  of  villainy  ;  upon 
due  consideration  whereof, — 

It  is  voted  and  resolved,  that  the  whole  of  His  Honor's  pro 
ceedings  be  approved  ;  and  that  His  Honor  be,  and  he  is 
hereby,  requested  to  transmit  a  copy  thereof,  to  the  agent  of 
the  colony,  in  Great  Britain  ;*  and  to  pursue  such  further  mea 
sures  respecting  the  said  affair,  during  the  recess  of  the 
General  Assembly,  as  shall  appear  necessary. 

And  whereas,  His  Honor  issued  a  proclamation,  promising  a 
reward  of  £100,  sterling,  to  any  person  or  persons  who  shall 
discover  the  persons  guilty  of  the  said  crime  ;  — 

*  The  letter  to  the  agent,  in  London,  is  not  preserved  on  the  files  in  the  secretary's  office. 
It  did  not  probably  vary  from  the  letter  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough.  before  given. 


54  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

It  is  therefore  further  voted  and  resolved,  that  this  As 
sembly  will  make  provision  for  paying  the  above  mentioned 
reward,  in  case  any  person  or  persons  shall  be  entitled  thereto. 

And  it  is  further  voted  and  resolved,  that  no  copies  of  let 
ters,  or  other  proceedings,  relating  to  the  above  mentioned 
affair,  be  delivered  out  by  the  secretary,  to  any  person  or  per 
sons,  whomsoever. 

It  is  voted  and  resolved,  that  the  letter  from  His  Honor  the 
Governor,  to  the  Right  Honorable  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough,  of 
the  20th  of  May  last,  containing  a  narrative  of  the  proceedings 
respecting  His  Honor's  calling  Lieut.  Dudingston  before  him, 
&c.,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby,  approved. 

Whereas,  Joseph  Rhodes  of  Cranston,  cooper,  hath  in  his 
hands  the  sum  of  $79,  belonging  to  Lieut.  Dudingston,  which 
he  refuseth  to  deliver, — 

It  is  therefore  voted  arfd  resolved,  that  His  Honor  the 
Deputy  Governor  and  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  be, 
and  they  are  hereby,  requested  and  empowered  to  make  inquiry 
into  that  affair,  and  to  settle  all  differences  between  the  parties  ; 
and  that,  if  the  said  Rhodes  will  not  comply  therewith,  they 
advise  the  said  Dudingston  to  take  the  proper  method  for  ob 
taining  his  right. 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  55 


Proclamation  of  King  George  III.,  relative  to  the  Destruction  of 

the  Gaspee. 


GEORGE    R. 

BY  THE  KING. 

A      PROCLAMATION: 

For  the  discovering  ami  apprehending  the  persons  who  plundered  and  burnt  the 
Gaspee  schooner,  and  barbarously  wounded  and  ill-treated  Lieutenant  William 
Dudingston,  commander  of  the  said  schooner. 

Whereas,  we  have  received  information,  that,  upon  the  10th  day  of  June  last, 
between  the  hours  of  twelve  and  one,  in  the  morning,  in  the  Providence  or  Narra- 
gansett  River,  in  our  colony  of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  a  great 
number  of  persons,  armed  with  guns  and  other  offensive  weapons,  and  led  by  two 
persons,  who  were  called  the  captain  and  head  sheriff,  in  several  armed  boats,  at 
tacked  and  boarded  our  vessel  called  the  Gaspee  schooner,  then  lying  at  single  an 
chor  in  the  said  river,  commanded  by  our  Lieutenant  William  Dudingston,  under 
the  orders  of  our  Rear  Admiral  John  Montagu  ;  and  having  dangerously  wounded 
and  barbarously  treated  the  said  William  Dudingston,  took,  plundered  and  burnt 
the  said  schooner. 

We,  to  the  intent  that  said  outrageous  and  heinous  offenders  may  be  discovered, 
and  brought  to  condign  punishment,  have  thought  fit,  with  the  advice  of  our  Privy 
Council,  to  issue  this  our  royal  proclamation. 

And  we  are  hereby  graciously  pleased  to  promise,  that  if  any  person  or  persons 
shall  discover  any  person  or  persons  concerned  in  the  said  daring  and  heinous  of 
fences  above  mentioned,  so  that  he  or  they  may  be  apprehended  and  brought  to 
justice,  such  discoverer  shall  have  and  receive,  as  a  reward,  for  such  discovery,  upon 
conviction  of  each  of  the  said  offenders,  the  sum  of  Jive  hundred  pounds. 

And  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  discover  either  of  the  said  persons  who  acted 
as,  or  called  themselves,  or  were  called  by  their  said  accomplices,  the  head  sheriff, 
or  the  captain,  so  that  they,  or  either  of  them,  may  be  apprehended  and  brought  to 
punishment,  such  discoverer  shall  have  and  receive,  as  a  reward  for  such  discovery, 
upon  conviction  of  either  of  the  said  persons,  the  further  sum  offve  hundred  pounds, 
over  and  above  the  sum  of  Jive  hundred  poutids,  herein  before  promised,  for  the  dis 
covery  and  apprehending  any  of  the  other  common  offenders  above  mentioned. 

And  if  any  person  or  persons  concerned  therein,  except  the  two  persons  who 
were  called  the  head  sheriff  and  captain,  and  the  person  or  persons  who  wounded 


56  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 

said  Lieutenant  William  Dudingston,  shall  discover  any  one  or  more  of  the  said  ac 
complices,  so  that  he  or  they  may  be  apprehended  and  brought  to  punishment,  such 
discoverer  shall  have  and  receive  the  said  reward  or  rewards  of 'five  hundred  pound* , 
or  one  thousand  pounds,  as  the  case  maybe;  and  also  our  gracious  pardon  for  his 
said  offence;  and  the  commissioners  for  executing  the  office  of  treasurer  of  our 
exchequer,  are  hereby  required  to  make  payment  accordingly,  of  the  said  rewards. 

And  we  do  hereby  strictly  charge  and  command  all  our  governors,  deputy  gov 
ernors,  magistrates  officers  and  all  other  our  loving  subjects,  that  they  do  use  their 
utmost  diligence,  in  their  several  places  and  capacities,  to  find  out,  discover  and 
apprehend  the  said  offenders,  in  order  to  their  being  brought  to  justice. 

And  we  do  hereby  command  that  this  our  proclamation  be  printed  and  pub 
lished,  in  the  usual  form,  and  affixed  in  the  principal  places  of  our  town  of  New 
port,  and  other  towns  in  our  said  colony,  that  none  may  pretend  ignorance. 

Given  at  our  Court,  at  St.  James,  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  August,  1772,  in  the 
twelfth  year  of  our  reign. 

God  save  the  Kin"-. 


Royal  Commission  to  the  Commissioners  of  Inquiry,  relative  to 
the  Destruction  of  the  Gaspee. 

GEORGE  THE  THIRD,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c.,  to  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Jo 
seph  Wanton,  Esquire,  Governor  of  our  colony,  called  the  English  colony  of 
Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  in  New  England,  in  America  ;  our 
trusty  and  well  beloved  Daniel  Horsmanden,  Esquire,  our  chief  justice  of  our 
province  of  New  York ;  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Frederick  Smythe,  Es 
quire,  our  chief  justice  of  our  province  of  New  Jersey ;  our  trusty  and  Avcll  be 
loved  Peter  Oliver,  Esquire,  our  chief  justice  of  our  Province  of  the  Massachu 
setts  Bay,  in  New  England ;  and  GUI'  trusty  and  well  beloved  Robert  Auch- 
muty,  Esquire,  our  judge  of  our  vice  admiralty  court,  established  at  Boston, 
with  jurisdiction  in  all  causes  arising  within  the  limits  of  our  colonies  of  New 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut,  greeting : 

AVhereas,  our  armed  schooner,  called  the  Gaspee  schooner,  commanded  by  Lieu 
tenant  William  Dudingston,  under  the  orders  of  Rear  Admiral  Montagu,  was  sta 
tioned  in  Providence  or  Narragansett  River,  in,  or  near  to  our  colony  of  Rhode  Is 
land  and  Providence  Plantations,  in  New  England,  the  said  Lieutenant  Dudingston, 
having  proper  commission  and  authority,  to  seize  to  our  use,  such  prohibited  and  un 
accustomed  goods,  as  he  should  find  carried  in  and  on  board  any  sliip,  bottom, 
boat  or  other  vessels,  contrary  to  law,  whereby  the  same  is  forfeited. 

And,  whereas,  we  have  been  informed  that  very  many  ill-disposed  persons  have 
dared,  from  time  to  time,  in  defiance  of  our  laws  and  authority,  to  insult  and  other 
wise  hinder  and  obstruct  the  said  Lieutenant  William  Dudingston,  in  the  perform- 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  57 

ance  of  his  duty,  and  their  boldness  in  that  respect  grew  to  so  desperate  an  height, 
that  on  or  about  the  10th  day  of  June  last,  great  multitudes  of  people  were  assem 
bled  in  our  town  of  Newport,*  and  places  adjacent,  in  our  said  colony,  by  beat  of 
drum,  armed  with  guns  and  other  offensive  weapons,  and  led  on  by  two  persons, 
whom  they  called  the  head  sheriff  and  the  captain,  and  so  proceeded  in  warlike 
manner,  with  armed  boats,  to  attack  our  said  schooner ;  and  having  dangerously 
wounded  the  said  lieutenant,  overpowered  the  crew,  took,  plundered  and  burnt  our 
said  vessel. 

We,  being  desirous  to  be  perfectly  informed  how  so  daring  an  attempt  could  be 
concerted,  prepared  and  carried  into  execution  in  the  chief  town  of  our  said  colony, 
the  residence  of  the  Governor,  and  principal  magistrates  thereof,  not  only  for  the 
purpose  of  bringing  the  said  offenders  and  their  maintainers,  aiders  and  abettors, 
to  condign  punishment,  but  also  to  the  end,  that  fit  and  speedy  order  may  be 
taken  for  securing  the  future  peace,  obedience,  and  well  government  of  our  said 
colony  ;  and  placing  much  confidence  in  your  wisdom,  diligence,  loyalty  and  integ 
rity,  do.  by  these  presents,  appoint  you,  the  said  Joseph  Wanton,  Daniel  Hors- 
manden,  Frederick  Smythe,  Peter  Oliver  and  Robert  Auchmuty,  our  commissioners, 
to  inquire  into  and  report  to  us  a  full  and  true  account  of  all  the  circumstances  rela^ 
tive  to  the  attacking,  taking,  plundering  and  burning  our  said  schooner ;  and  to  the 
assembling,  arming,  training  and  leading  the  people  concerned  therein  ;  and  to  the 
concerting  and  preparing  the  said  attack,  and  of  all  other  insults  and  obstructions 
which  have  been  given  to  the  said  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  or  to  our  service  in  gen 
eral  in  our  said  colony  of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  and  of  the 
causes  which  have  occasioned  so  daring  a  violation  of  our  laws  and  authority  ;  and 
also  to  inquire  and  report  what  measures  have  been  taken  or  used  by  the  magis 
trates  of  our  said  colony,  and  other  our  good  subjects  therein,  respecting  the 
same. 

And  fo?  the  better  execution  of  our  royal  will  and  pleasure  therein,  we  do  hereby 
give  unto  you,  the  said  Joseph  Wanton,  Daniel  Horsmanden,  Frederick  Smythe,  Peter 
Oliver,  and  Robert  Auchmuty,  or  any  three  of  you,  full  power  and  authority  to  re 
ceive  all  such  informations  and  advertisements  as  shall  be  brought  unto  you,  by  or 
from  any  of  our  loving  subjects  or  others,  touching  the  premises ;  and  also,  to  inquire, 
by  the  examination  of  witnesses  on  oath,  which  oath  we  do  hereby  give  you  or  any 
of  you,  full  power,  warrant  and  authority  to  administer,  or  by  such  other  ways  and 
means  as  you,  or  any  three  of  you,  shall,  in  your  discretion,  think  fit,  into  the 
premises,  or  any  of  them. 

And  we  do  further  give  you,  or  any  three  of  you,  full  power  and  authority  to  send 
for  such  persons,  papers,  and  records,  as  shall  be  useful  to  you,  for  the  better  carry 
ing  on  the  service  hereby  intended,  willing  and  requiring  you,  the  said  Governor, 
the  Deputy  Governor,  and  all  other  our  magistrates,  officers,  and  loving  subjects 
within  the  said  colony,  to  be  in  all  things  helpful,  aiding  and  assisting  to  you,  and 
every  of  you,  in  the  execution  of  this,  our  royal  commission. 

And  we  do  further  strictly  charge  and  command  you,  and  every  of  you,  that,  in 
the  execution  and  performance  of  the  powers  and  authorities  to  you  hereby  given, 


*  This  is  a  mistake.    It  was  not  in  Newport,  but  iu  Providence,  where  the  party  was 
organized. 


58  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

you,  and  every  of  you,  do  carefully  observe  and  conform  yourselves  to  such  instruc 
tions  as  shall  be,  given  and  sent  unto  you,  in  writing,  under  our  sign  manual,  and  to 
report  to  us  a  full  and  true  account  of  your  proceedings  herein. 

In  witness  whereof,  we  have  caused  these  our  letters  to  be  made  patent.  Witness 
ourself,  at  Westminster,  the  second  day  of  September,  in  the  twelfth  year  of  our 
reign. 

By  the  King  himself. 

YOKKE. 


Royal  Instructions  to  the  Commission  of  Inquiry,  relative  to  the 
Destruction  of  the  Gas  pee. 

G  E  O  K  G  E    R . 

/^  /— '— s  -j  Instructions  to  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Joseph  Wanton,  Daniel  Ilors- 
(  '  J )  manden,  Frederick  Smythe,  Peter  Oliver  and  Robert  Auchnmty, 
Esquires,  our  commissioners  for  inquiring  into  the  circumstances  relative 
to  the  attacking,  plundering  and  burning  our  armed  schooner,  called 
the  Gaspee  schooner,  within  our  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  in  America, 
on  the  10th  day  of  June  last,  and  into  the  causes  thereof,  and  of  the 
violences  and  insults  offered  upon  that  occasion,  to  our  officers  em 
ployed  in  our  service. 

Given  at  our  court  at  St.  James,  the  4th  day  of  September,  1772,  in  the  twelfth 
year  of  our  reign. 

Article  1st.  With  these  our  instructions,  you  will  receive  our  commission,  under 
our  great  seal  of  Great  Britain,  constituting  and  appointing  you  our  commissioners, 
for  inquiring  into  and  making  report  to  us  of  all  the  circumstances  relative  to  the  at 
tacking,  plundering  and  burning  the  Gaspee  schooner  on  the  10th  of  June  last,  in 
the  Narragansett  River,  within  our  colony  of  Rhode  Island ;  and  to  the  assembling 
arming,  and  leading  on  the  persons  who  made  the  said  at'ack,  and  to  the  concerting 
and  preparing  the  same ;  together  with  all  such  other  powers  and  authorities  as 
are  judged  necessary  for  that  purpose.  You  are  therefore,  to  take  upon  you,  the 
execution  of  the  trust  reposed  in  you,  and  so  soon  as  three  or  more  of  you  shall 
have  been  assembled  at  Newport,  within  our  said  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  you  are 
to  cause  our  said  commission  to  be  read  and  published  in  such  manner  and  form, 
and  with  such  solemnity  as  are  due  to  the  authority  from  which  it  proceeds,  and  the 
important  occasion  for  which  it  is  issued,  using  your  own  discretions  as  to  all  such 
other  times  and  places  of  your  meetings,  according  to  what  shall  appear  to  you,  or 
the  major  part  of  you,  to  be  most  fit  and  proper. 

Art.  2d.  You  are  to  use  your  utmost  care  and  dilligence,  pursuant  to  the  au 
thorities  and  directions  contained  in  our  said  commission,  in  making  a  very  full  and 
particular  inquiry  into  all  the  circumstances  relative  to  the  attacking,  plundering 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  59 

ami  destroying  our  armed  schooner,  the  Gaspee,  on  the  10th  of  June  last,  in  the 
Narragansett  River,  within  our  said  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  and  to  the  a>sembling, 
arming  and  leading  on  the  persons  who  made  the  said  attack,  as  also  into  the  causes 
and  occasions  thereof;  and  into  all  the  steps  that  have  been  taken  by  the  civil 
magistrates  in  their  respective  stations,  for  the  discovery  and  punishment  of  the  per- 
trators  of  those  heinous  offences.  And  to  those  ends,  you-  are  to  summon  before 
vou.  all  such  persons  as  you  shall  think  maybe  able  to  give  any  information  touching 
the  said  objects  of  inquiry;  and  likewise,  to  order  all  informations,  depositions  and 
examinations,  which  may  have  been  taken  and  made  in  writing,  touching  those 
matters,  or  authentic  copies  thereof,  to  be  laid  before  you,  and  to  make  a  report  to 
us,  by  one  of  our  principal  secretaries  of  state,  of  all  your  proceedings,  and  of  what 
shall  appear  to  you,  respecting  the  conduct  of  the  magistrates  and  people  of  Rhode 
Island,  on  that  occasion. 

Art.  3d.  And  whereas,  the  civil  magistrates  and  officers  within  our  said  colony 
of  Rhode  Island,  are  entrusted  with  the  power  and  authority  to  arrest  and  commit 
to  eustodv  such  of  the  persons  concerned  in  the  plundering  and  destroying  the 
Gaspee  schooner,  and  in  the  inhuman  treatment  of  our  officer  who  commanded  her, 
against  whom  any  information  shall  be  taken,  in  order  to  the  said  offenders  being 
sent  to  England  to  be  tried  for  that  offence  ;  it  is  therefore,  our  will  and  pleasure, 
that  you  do,  from  time  to  time,  communicate  to  the  said  civil  officers  and  magis 
trates,  such  information  as  you  shall  be  able  to  collect,  touching  the  persons  con 
cerned  in  that  daring  attack  upon  our  authority  and  commission,  to  the  end  that 
thev  may  be  accordingly  arrested  and  delivered  to  the  custody  of  the  commander  in 
chief  of  our  ships  and  vessels  in  North  America,  pursuant  to  such  directions  as  we 
have  thought  fit  to  give  for  that  purpose. 

Art.  4th.  And  whereas,  it  is  of  importance  with  regard  to  the  mode  of  proceed 
ing  against  the  said  offenders,  that  they  should  be  exactly  informed  of  the  place 
where  the  offence  was  committed,  it  will,  therefore,  be  your  duty  to  take  care  in 
all  your  proceedings  upon  this  inquiry,  as  well  as  in  your  reports  thereof  to  us,  by 
one  of  our  principal  secretaries  of  state,  to  ascertain  with  the  greatest  precision, 
whether  the  offence  was  committed  and  done  within  the  body  of  the  colony  ;  and  if 
so,  within  what  county  or  district  thereof;  and  if  not  so,  in  what  other  place  the 
said  offence  was  committed  and  done. 

Art.  5th.  And  whereas,  there  may  be  reason  to  apprehend,  from  the  outrages 
which  have  been  committed  within  our  said  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  by  numbers  of  law 
less  persons,  that  insults  may  be  offered  to  you,  it  is  therefore  our  will  and  pleasure, 
that  if  any  disturbance  shall  arise,  with  a  view  to  obstruct  you  in  the  execution  of 
your  duty,  and  any  violence  should  in  consequence  thereof,  be  offered  to  you,  you 
do.  in  such  case,  give  immediate  notice  thereof  to  the  commander  in  chief  of  our 
forces  in  North  America,  and  require  of  him  to  send  such  a  military  force  into  the 
colony,  as  you  shall  judge  necessary  for  your  protection,  and  for  the  aiding  the  civil 
magistrates  in  suppressing  any  tumults  or  riots,  and  preserving  the  public  peace. 

Lastly.  It  is  our  will  and  pleasure,  that  you  do  take  an  account,  by  way  of 
journal,  of  all  your  acts  and  proceedings  in  the  execution  of  the  powers  and  direc 
tions  given  to  you,  and  that  the  reports  which  you  are  to  make  to  us,  by  one  of  our 


60  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  OASPEE. 

principal  secretaries  of  state,  of  those  proceedings,  he  in  writing,  and  signed  hy  any 
three  or  more  of  you.*  (}.   R. 


*  Extract  from  the  Providence  Gazette,  of  Saturday,  December  20,  1772  : 

"  To  be,  or  not  to  be,  that's  the  question  ;  whether  our  unalienable  rights  and  privileges  arc 
any  longer  worth  contending  for,  is  now  to  be  determined.  Permit  me,  my  countrymen, 
to  beseech  you  to  attend  to  your  alarming  situation. 

The  stamp  act  you  opposed  with  a  spirit  and  resolution  becoming  those  who  were  truly 
solicitous  to  transmit  to  posterity  those  blessings  which  our  forefathers  purchased  for  us  in 
the  wilds  of  America,  at  an  immense  expense  of  blood  and  treasure. 

But  behold,  an  evil  infinitely  worse,  in  its  consequences,  than  all  the  revenue  laws  which 
have  been  passed  from  the  reign  of  Charles  the  First,  to  this  time,  now  threatens  this  dis 
tressed,  piralically  plundered  country. 

A  court  of  inquisition,  more  horrid  than  that  of  Spain  or  Portugal,  is  established  within 
this  colony,  to  inquire  into  the  circumstances  of  destroying  the  Gaspee  schooner;  and  the 
persons  who  are  the  commissioners  of  this  new-fangled  court,  are  vested  with  most  exor 
bitant  and  unconstitutional  power.  They  are  directed  to  summon  witnesses,  apprehend 
persons  not  only  impeached,  but  even  suspected  !  and  them,  and  every  of  them,  to  deliver 
them  to  Admiral  Montagu,  who  is^ordered  to  have  a  ship  in  readiness  to  carry  them  to 
England,  where  they  are  to  be  tried. 

Three  of  the  commissioners  are  a  quorum,  who  are  directed  to  apply  to  General  Gage,  for 
troops  to  protect  them  in  their  offices,  and  preserve  the  colony  from  riots  and  disturbances. 
The  royal  commission  for  these  gentlemen,  together  with  their  instructions,  is  transmitted 
to  Admiral  Montagu,  who,  upon  being  notified  that  they  are  convened  in  conformity  to 
their  appointment,  is  to  attend  them,  and  then  deliver  their  commission  and  instructions, 
and  to  be  aiding  with  his  sage  counsel  and  advice,  whenever  necessary. 

So  much  has  transpired,  respecting  this  alarming  star-chamber  inquisition.  And  who 
among  the  natives  of  America,  can  hear  it  without  emotion  ?  Is  there  an  American,  in 
whose  breast  there  glows  the  smallest  spark  of  public  virtue,  but  who  must  be  fired  with 
indignation  and  resentment,  against  a  measure  so  replete  with  the  ruin  of  our  free  consti 
tution  ?  To  be  tried  by  one's  peers,  is  the  greatest  privilege  a  subject  can  wish  for;  and  so 
excellent  is  our  constitution,  that  no  subject  shall  be  tried,  but  by  his  peers. 

This  establishment  is  the  grand  barrier  of  our  lives,  liberties  and  estates;  and  whoever 
attempts  to  alter  or  invade  this  fundamental  principle,  by  which  the  liberties  of  the  people 
have  been  secured  from  time  immemorial,  is  a  declared  enemy  to  the  welfare  and  happiness 
of  the  King  and  state.  The  tools  of  despotism  and  arbitrary  power,  have  long  wished  that 
this  important  bulwark  might  be  destroyed,  and  now  have  the  impudence  to  triumph  in  our 
faces,  because  such  of  their  fellow  subjects  in  America,  as  are  suspected  of  being  guilty  of 
a  crime,  are  ordered  to  be  transported  to  Great  Britain  for  trial,  in  open  violation  of  Matrna 
Charta. 

Thus  are  we  robbed  of  our  birth-rights,  and  treated  with  every  mark  of  indignity,  insult 
and  contempt ;  and  can  we  possibly  be  so  supine,  as  not  to  feel  ourselves  firmly  disposed 
to  treat  the  advocates  for  such  horrid  measures  with  a  detestation  and  scorn,  proportionate 
to  their  perfidy  and  baseness  ? 

Luxury  and  avarice,  a  more  fatal  and  cruel  scourge  than  war,  will  ere  long  ravage  Britain 
and  ultimately  bring  on  the  dissolution  of  that  once  happy  kingdom.  Ambition,  and  a  thirst 
for  arbitrary  sway,  have  already  banished  integrity,  probity  and  every  other  virtue,  from  those 
who  are  entrusted  with  the  government  of  our  mother  country.  Her  colonies  loudly  com 
plain  of  the  violences  and  vexations  they  suffer  by  having  their  moneys  taken  from  them, 
without  their  consent,  by  measures  more  unjustifiable  than  highway  robbery ;  and  ap 
plied  to  the  basest  purposes, — those  of  supporting  tyrants  and  debauchees.  No  private  house 
is  inaccessible  to  the  avarice  of  custom-house  officers  ;  no  place  so  remote  whither  the  injus 
tice  and  extortion  ot  these  miscreant  tools  in  power,  have  not  penetrated. 

Upon  the  whole,  it  is  more  than  probable,  it  is  an  almost  absolute  certainty,  that,  ac 
cording  to  the  present  appearances,  the  state  of  an  American  subject,  instead  of  enjoying 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  61 

These   papers  were   transmitted   to  Admiral  Montagu,  and 
sent  by  him  to  Governor  Wanton,  by  express. 

Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Boston,  lltli  December,  1772. 

Sir  : — Last  night  an  express  arrived,  with  dispatches  from  the  Right  Honorable 
My  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  by  which  came  under  cover  to  me,  the 
packet  I  send  to  you,  herewith. 

the  privileges  of  an  Englishman,  will  soon  be  infinitely  worse  than  that  of  a  subject  of 
France,  Spain,  Portugal,  or  any  other  the  most  despotic  power  on  earth  ;  so  that,  my  coun 
trymen,  it  behoves  you,  it  is  your  indispensable  duty  to  stand  forth  in  the  glorious  cause  of 
freedom,  the  dearest  of  all  your  earthly  enjoyments ;  and,  with  a  truly  Roman  spirit  of 
liberty,  either  prevent  the  fastening  of  the  infernal  chains  now  forging  for  you,  and  your 
posterity,  or  noblv  perish  in  the  attempt. 

To  live  a  life  of  rational  beings,  is  to  live  tree ;  to  live  a  life  of  slaves,  is  to  die  by  inches. 
Ten  thousaid  deaths  by  the  halter,  or  the  axe,  are  infinitely  preferable  to  a  miserable  life  of 
slavery  in  chains,  under  a  pack  of  worse  than  Egyptian  tyrants,  whose  avarice  nothing  less 
than  your  whole  substance  and  income,  will  satisfy  ;  and  who,  if  they  can't  extort  that,  will 
glory  in  making  a  sacrifice  of  you  and  your  posterity,  to  gratify  their  master  the  devil,  who 
is  a  tyrant,  and  the  father  of  tyrants  and  of  liars.  AMERICAXUS. 

Extracts  from  the  Providence   Gazette,  of  Saturday, 
December  26,  1772. 

Newport,  December  21,  1772. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  a  gentleman  in  Boston,  to  his  friend  in  this  town : 

"  I  here  enclose  you  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  a  gentleman  in  England,  to  another  in 
Boston.  In  continuation  of  the  truth  of  which,  the  admiral  received  a  packet  by  an  express 
which  arrived  in  this  town  on  Thursday  evening  last,  ordering  the  ships  to  your  harbor ; 
in  consequence  of  which  order,  the  ships  are  now  getting  ready  as  fast  as  possible ;  they  were 
kept  to  work  all  day  yesterday,  and  commanded  to  be  ready  to  sail  on  Tuesday  afternoon, 
or  Wednesday  morning,  at  furthest. 

The  admiral  is  in  very  high  spirits  on  the  occasion,  and  cheerfully  undertakes  an  expedi 
tion  which  promises  to  gratify  his  rancor  agaiust  your  colony.  It  is  to  be  hoped,  from  his 
avowed  disposition  towards  our  Rhode  Island  brethren,  that  he  will  meet  with  a  proper  re 
ception  among  them. 

I  have  just  received  information  which  you  may  depend  upon  :  the  high  commissioned 
court,  specially  appointed,  with  novel,  unconstitutional  and  exorbitant  powers,  for  the  trial 
of  the  persous  concerned  in  burning  the  schoo  'er,  are  forthwith  to  repair  to  Rhode  Island 
for  that  purpose;  and  are  to  be  accompanied  with  His  High  Mightiness  the  Admiral. 

The  regiment  at  Castle  William,  a  regiment  from  New  York,  and  a  third  regiment,  are 
immediately  to  march  for  Rhode  Island;  and  unless  you  exhibit  a  quantum  sufficit  of  passive 
obedience  and  non-resistance,  the  same  tragedy  may  be  acted  in  Newport  and  Providence, 
which  makes  the  5th  of  March  so  memorable  at  Boston." 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  a  gentleman  of  character,  in  England,  to  his  friend,  in  Boston  : 
"  Our  tyrants  in  the  administration,  are  greatly  exasperated  with  the  late  manoeuvre  of 
the  brave  Rhode  Islanders;  as  a  regard  to  the  rights  of  the  subject,  and  the  principles  of 
justice,  never  marked  the  measures  of  the  present  wretched  conductors  of  the  wheels  of  gov 
ernment,  you  will  not  be  alarmed  when  I  tell  you  that  they  have  determined  to  vacate  the 


62  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 

As  it  may  be  of  great  consequence,  I  have  thought  proper  to  charge  Mr.  Mon 
tagu,  oue  of  my  lieutenants,  with  it.* 

In  my  despatches  from  their  Lordships,  I  am  directed  to  repair  to  Rhode  Island, 
to  assist  you,  and  the  rest  of  the  gentlemen  in  the  commission,  which  I  shall  do  as 

charter  of  that  colony.  To  effect  this  purpose,  which  in  their  own  apprehension,  will  be 
attended  with  some  difficulty,  Admiral  Montagu  is  ordered,  with  the  small  craft  which  are 
with  him,  to  line  the  harbor  of  Rhode  Island,  with  positive  orders  to  apprehend  the  persons 
concerned  in  the  cnterprize  above  mentioned. 

Awed  by  the  formidable  appearance  of  this  hectoring  commander  and  his  gallant  squa 
dron,  these  bitter  pills  are  to  be  crammed  down  their  throats;  but  the  friends  of  true  British 
freedom,  are  not  without  hopes  that  the  stomachs  of  that  heroic  colony  will  reject  the  dose 
prepared  for  them. 

Be  united,  our  dear  suffering  brethren  ;  be  steady,  and  success  awaits  you;  freedom,  glo 
rious  freedom,  will  be  the  purchase.  We  believe  that  the  ancient  British  spirit  of  independ 
ence,  which  once  blest  this  island,  has  improved  by  transplantation,  and  preserves  its 
vigor  in  the  breasts  of  Americans ;  cherish  it,  my  dear  friends  !  and  by  relieving  yourselves, 
save  the  small  remnant  of  the  virtuous  in  Britain." 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  a  gentleman  in  Boston,  to  his  friend,  in  this  town,  dated  Decem 
ber  14,  1772: 

"  I  would  have  you  inform  your  townsmen,  that  the  admiral  has  hoisted  his  flag  on  board 
one  of  the  frigates,  and  will  sail  for  Newport,  in  a  day  or  two  ;  and  is  determined  to  lay 
your  town  and  Providence,  in  ashes ;  he  swore  by  God  (some  time  ago),  that  he  would  burn 
the  town  of  Providence  to  ashes.  Mr.  P—  — ,  of  this  town,  will  attest  to  it ;  hope  you  will 
try  him  for  treason. 

It  is  surmised,  that  they  are  going  to  deprive  you  of  your  charter;  hope  you  will  give  it 
up  peaceably,  like  true  friends  to  government,  and  not  contend  with  your  superiors,  but  be 
subject  to  the  higher  powers;  for  the  powers  that  be,  are  ordained  (I  believe),  of  the 
devil." 

*  The  following  is  from  the  Providence  Gazette,  of  December  10,  1772  : 

"By  the  Cruizer  sloop-of-war,  Capt.  Howe,  arrived  at  New  York,  from  England,  His 
Honor  the  Governor,  has  received  dispatches  from  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  secretary  of  state 
for  the  American  department,  relative  to  the  Gaspee  armed  schooner,  destroyed  some  time 
since,  and  the  very  extraordinary  measures  adopted  by  government  for  inquiring  into  the 
matter,  and  punishing  the  offenders. 

For  this  purpose,  we  are  told  that  commissioners  are  to  sit  at  Newport,  and  examine  such 
persons  as  Admiral  Montagu  shall  direct  to  be  apprehended.  These  devoted  persons,  it  is 
further  said,  are  to  be  transported  to  England,  where  they  are  to  be  tried  for  high  treason. 
The  admiral,  with  a  number  of  ships  and  tenders,  is  to  be  at  Newport;  and  the  com 
missioners  are  directed  to  apply  to  General  Gage  for  troops,  if  they  shall  think  them 
necessary. 

In  this  situation  of  affairs,  every  friend  to  our  violated  constitution,  cannot  but  be  greatly 
alarmed.  The  idea  of  seizing  a  number  of  persons,  under  the  points  of  bayonets,  and 
transporting  them  three  thousand  miles  for  trial,  where,  whether  guilty  or  innocent,  they 
must  unavoidably  fall  victims  alike  to  revenge  or  prejudice,  is  shocking  to  humanity,  repug 
nant  to  every  dictate  of  reason,  liberty  and  justice;  and  in  which,  Americans  and  freemen 
ought  never  to  acquiesce." 

Extract  from  the  proceedings  of  a  town  meeting  held  at  Dorchester,  in  the  Massachusetts 
Bay,  January  4,  1773  : 

"  Resolved,  that  at  a  time  when  open  attacks  upon  our  happy  constitution  are  multiplied, 
it  is  incumbent  upon  the  people  to  be  watchful ;  and  especially  at  this  time,  when  we  are 
alarmed  with  a  new  and  unheard  of  grievance,  in  a  late  act  passed  by  "the  British  Parlia 
ment,  whereby  the  crown  is  empowered,  so  that  persons  supposed  to  be  guilty  of  certain 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE   GASPEE.  63 

soon  as  vou  inform  me  that  you  are  ready,  with  the  commissioners,  to  proceed  to 
business,  and  deliver  the  commission,  and  the  King's  instructions  to  you. 

In  the  meantime.  Captain  Keeler,  in  His  Majesty's  ship  Mercury,  has  my  orders 
to  assist  vou.  and  receive  any  prisoners  or  persons  you  may  send  him.  Permit  me 
to  say,  I  should  think  it  advisable  to  have  the  persons  apprehended  that  I  sent  you 
an  account  of  some  months  ago,  which  the  indentured  mulatto  informed  of,  and  has 
sworn  against.  The  mulatto  remains  on  board  with  the  captain,  and  shall  be  ready 
to  attend  the  commission,  whenever  he  is  called  for. 

As  I  find  Capt.  Keeler  is  often  made  a  prisoner,  from  frequent  arrests  he  meets 
with,  as  well  as  insults  when  he  comes  on  shore,  I  am  to  desire,  in  case  the  commis 
sion  should  at  any  time  want  him,  you  will  direct  his  person  to  be  secured  from  in 
sults  or  arrests. 

Whenever  you  will  favor  me  with  your  commands,  you  will  find  me  ready  to  co 
operate  with  you  in  every  thing  for  the  King's  service. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  MONTAGU. 

To  Governor  Wanton. 

P.  S.  I  must  beg  leave  to  recommend  to  yon,  as  first  in  the  commission,  to  ap 
point  a  time  for  the  first  meeting,  and  to  give  notice  to  the  other  gentlemen  named 
in  the  commission  and  me  ;  and  that  yon  will  make  the  time  as  short  as  you  can, 
consistent  with  proper  notice,  for  particular  reasons. 

This  led  to  the  following  correspondence  before  the  opening 
of  the  session  of  the  commissioners  : 

The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Xewpoi't,  December  14,  1772. 

<y,;r  : I  am  favored  with  yours,  by  Mr.  Montagu,  together  with  dispatches  from 

the   Pviirht  Honorable   the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,   respecting    the  destruction  of  the 

Gaspee. 

I  shall  appoint  a  time  for  meeting  the  commissioners  authorized  to  inquire  into 

crimes,  m»y  be  hurried  away  from  any  county  iu  Xorth  America,  where  such  crime  may  be 
supposed  to  have  been  committed,  to  be  tried  iu  any  county  in  England,  «\rhere  His  Majesty 
or  bis  successors  shall  judge  proper  ;  which  appears  to  us  to  come  little  short  of  any  court 
of  inquisition,  and  appears  plainly  to  us  destructive  of  the  main  pillar  of  the  British 
constitution." 

Extract  from  the  proceedings  of  a  town  meeting,  held  at  Ipswich,  in  the  Massachusetts 
Bay,  December  17,  1772  : 

"  Resolved,  that  we  have  been  of  late  greatly  alarmed  at  the  appointment  of  commis 
sioners,  in  consequence  of  a  late  act  of  Parliament,  entitled  <  An  act  for  the  better  perserv- 
ing  His  Majesty's  dockyards,  magazines,  ships,  ammunition  and  stores,  and  to  inquire  after 
the  persons  concerned  "in  burning  His  Majesty's  schooner,  the  Gaspee,  at  Providence;' 
which,  though  a  very  unjustifiable  act,  yet  we  apprehend  this  method  of  proceeding,  an  in 
fringement  upon  the  liberty  of  the  subject,  and  of  the  most  dangerous  consequence,  as  the 
constitution  has  already  provided  a  method  for  the  trial  of  those,  and  all  other  offenders." 


64  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

the  circumstances  of  that  transaction,  as  soon  as  may  be,  and  give  you  the  earliest 
intelligence  thereof,  in  conformity  to  His  Majesty's  orders.  His  Majesty's  procla 
mation  I  shall  cause  to  be  printed  without  delay,  and  sent  into  the  several  towns 
within  the  colony.  I  am,  &c.,  &<•., 

J.  WANTON. 
To  the  Honorable  J.  Montagu. 

The   Governor  of  Rhode  Island,  to  Peter   Oliver,  Esq.,   Chief 
Justice  oj  Massachusetts. 

Newport,  December  14,  1772. 

Sir  : — By  express  from  Admiral  Montagu,  I  have  this  moment  received  a  letter 
from  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  advising  of  your  being  one  of  the  commissioners  for  in 
quiring  into  the  circumstances  of  burning  the  schooner  Gaspee.  I  have  thought 
proper  to  give  you  this  information,  and  that  I  shall  fix  upon  a  time  for  meeting  the 
commissioners,  and  give  you  and  the  other  gentlemen  named  in  the  commission, 
notice  thereof,  without  delay.  I  am,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  WANTON. 
To  the  Honorable  Peter  Oliver,  Esq. 

The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Robert  Auchmuty,  Esq.)  Judge 
of  the  Vice  Admiralty  Court,  Boston. 

lloxbury,  December  11,  1772. 

Sir : — I  embrace  this  opportunity  of  acquainting  you,  that  I  have  received  His 
Majesty's  orders  to  attend  you  and  the  other  gentlemen,  commissioners  for  examining 
into  the  business  and  plundering  the  schooner  Gaspee.  In  obedience  to  which,  I 
shall,  on  notice,  with  all  convenient  dispatch,  attend  you  on  that  affair.  I  shall  be 
glad  to  know  when  you  think  the  gentlemen  can  be  got  together  ;  and  am, 

Your  Honor's  most  obedient  servant, 

ROBERT  AUCHMUTY. 
To  Governor  Wanton. 

The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Judge  Auchmuty. 

Newport,  December  14,  1772. 

Sir : — I  have  received  your  favor  by  Mr.  Montagu.  I  shall  fix  upon  a  time  for 
meeting  the  commissioners,  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  circumstances  of  destroying 
the  Gaspee  schooner,  and  give  you  and  the  other  gentlemen,  mentioned  in  the  com 
mission,  the  earliest  intelligence  thereof.  I  am,  £c.,  &e., 

J.  WANTON; 
To  the  Hon.  Robert  Auchmuty. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE.  65 

Circular  of  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Judges  Oliver  and 

Auchmuty. 

Newport,  December  24,  1772. 

Sir : — When  I  received  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth's  letter  of  the  4th  of  Sep 
tember,  and  in  consequence  thereof,  wrote  you  on  the  14th  inst.,  I  was  preparing  to 
set  out  for  the  Assembly,  who  were  adjourned  to  meet  that  day  at  Providence,  and 
therefore  I  had  not  then  time  to  attend  so  maturely  to  His  Lordship's  letter  as  its 
importance  required. 

The  letter  I  received  from  Admiral  Montagu,  by  the  same  express  which  brought 
me  the  dispatches  from  Lord  Dartmouth,  induced  me  to  suppose  I  was  authorized 
to  appoint  a  time  for  the  first  meeting  of  the  commissioners  ;  but  as  Lord  Dartmouth 
has  signified  to  me,  that  my  associates  in  the  commission,  are  directed  to  repair  to 
Newport,  and  by  a  vessel  this  day  from  New  York,  I  am  informed  that  the  chief 
justice  of  that  province,  and  the  chief  justice  of  New  Jersey  have  engaged  their  pas 
sages,  and  will  be  here  some  time  next  week. 

I  thought  it  proper  to  give  you  tin's  information,  and  that  I  am  ready  to  meet  you, 
agreeably  to  the  royal  instructions,  whenever  it  may  suit  your  convenience  to  attend. 
As  3oon  as  a  quorum  can  be  got  together,  I  shall,  without  loss  of  time,  notify  Ad 
miral  Montagu,  in  obedience  to  the  King's  command. 

I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  WANTON. 

Circular  to  the  Judges  Oliver  and  Auchmuty. 

The  Governor   of  Rhode  Island  to  the  Sheriffs  of  the  several 

Counties. 

Newport,  December  22,  1772. 

Sir  : — In  obedience  to  the  King's  command,  signified  to  me,  by  the  Right  Honora 
ble  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  one  of  his  principal  secretaries  of  state,  I  have  caused  to 
be  printed  His  Majesty's  proclamation  for  discovering  and  apprehending  the  per 
sons  who  plundered  and  burnt  the  Gaspee  schooner ;  copies  of  which,  I  send  you  by 
express,  which  you  are  forthwith  to  affix  in  the  most  pubh'c  places  of  the  severa 
towns  within  your  colony.  I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  WANTON. 
Circular  to  the  sheriffs  of  the  several  counties. 

The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Newport,  December  24,  1772. 

Sir : — By  a  vessel  this  day  from  New  York,  I  am  informed  that  the  Judges  Hors- 
manden  and  Smythe,  have  engaged  their  passages  in  the  sloop  Lydia,  John  Free- 
body,  master,  and  will  probably  be  here  in  about  a  week.  I  give  you  this  informa 
tion,  for  your  government.  I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  WANTON, 
To  Admiral  Montagu. 

9 


66  THE   DESTRUCTION   OF   THE   GASPEE. 


Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Boston,  28th  December,  1772. 

Sir  : — I  am  favored  with  your  letter,  informing  me  that  the  Judges  Horsmanden  and 
Smythe  are  expected  at  Rhode  Island  in  the  course  of  the  week.  If  you  will  be 
pleased  to  inform  me  when  you  are  ready  to  receiA'e  His  Majesty's  commission,  I 
will  take  care  to  have  it  delivered  agreeably  to  my  instructions. 

I  shall  be  glad  to  know  whether  you  intend  to  proceed  to  business,  or  adjourn  to 
any  particular  time,  that  I  may  conduct  myself  relative  to  His  Majesty's  service 
here,  accordingly.  I  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  MONTAGU. 

To  His  Honor  Governor  Wanton. 

The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Newport,  January  1,  1773. 

Sir  : — The  Judges  Horsmanden  and  Smythe  arrived  here  last  evening,  from  New 
York,  and  are  ready  to  proceed  immediately  upon  business.  A  number  sufficient 
to  constitute  a  quorum,  are  now  assembled  at  Newport,  waiting  to  receive  from  you 
the  royal  commission  and  instructions,  of  which  I  have  thought  it  proper  to  give  you 
this  information,  by  express. 

I  shall  be  glad  to  wait  upon  you,  at  Newport ;  and  am,  sir,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  WANTON. 
To  Admiral  Montagu. 

The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Judge  Auchmuty. 

Newport,  January  1,  1773. 

Sir : — The  Judges  Horsmanden  and  Smythe  arrived  last  evening  from  New 
York.  This  will  be  delivered  you  by  express  I  send  to  the  Admiral ;  and  hope  I 
shall  have  the  pleasure  of  waiting  on  you  this  week,  if  your  health  will  permit. 

My  letter  to  Judge  Oliver,  you  have,  without  doubt,  sent  him.  I  am,  therefore, 
in  expectation  of  seeing  him,  every  hour.  I  have  only  to  add  the  compliments  of 
the  season ;  and  am,  sir,  &c.,  &e.,  J.  WANTON. 

To  Judge  Auchmuty. 

The  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  to  Capt.  Robert  Keeler,  of  His 
Majesty's  Ship  Mercury. 

Newport,  January  4,  1773. 

Sir : — The  commissioners  meet  at  twelve  o'clock  this  day,  at  the  colony  house ;  at 
which  time,  I  expect  the  return  of  the  express,  when  it  is  probable  it  will  be  deter 
mined  whether  it  is  proper  to  defer  opening  the  commission  until  the  admiral  ar 
rives.  Your  attendance  will  be  necessary.  I  am  yours,  &c.,  &c., 

J.  WANTON. 
To  Captain  Robert  Keeler. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE.  67 


Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Boston,  2d  January,  1773, 

at  3  o'clock,  afternoon. 

Sir  : — I  am  this  moment  favored  with  your  letter,  by  express,  acquainting  me 
that  the  Judges  Ilorsmanden  and  Smythe  are  arrived  at  Newport,  and  ready  to  pro 
ceed  immediately  upon  business,  and  are  therefore  ready  to  receive  His  Majesty's 
royal  commission,  which,  by  my  instructions,  I  am  to  cause  to  be  delivered  to 
them. 

I  beg  leave  to  inform  you,  that  my  captain  left  this  place  yesterday  morning, 
charged  with  the  commission  to  be  given  to  Captain  Keeler,  the  senior  officer  of  His 
Majesty's  ships  at  Rhode  Island,  who  has  my  orders  to  wait  on  you,  and  know  your 
pleasure,  when  he  shall  wait  upon  the  commissioners  with  it. 

He  is  also  directed  to  give  the  commissioners  all  the  assistance  in  his  power,  and 
to  receive  such  persons,  either  prisoners  or  witnesses,  as  they  shall  send  to  him. 

He  has  likewise  my  directions  to  inform  the  commissioners  that  he  has  some  peo 
ple  on  board  that  can  give  information  relative  to  the  burning  the  Gaspee,  as  well 
as  of  the  persons  concerned  in  that  affair  ;  and  he  is  directed  to  send  them  to  the 
commissioners  whenever  they  are  pleased  to  demand  them. 

As  the  season  of  the  year  does  not  admit  of  my  coming  to  Rhode  Island  with  my 
flag,  and  such  ships  as  shall  be  necessary  to  assist  the  commissioners,  agreeably  to 
my  instructions ;  yet,  if  the  commissioners  shall  think  it  right,  and  for  the  good  of 
the  service  they  are  upon,  that  my  presence  is  necessary,  I  shall  be  ready  to  set  out 
the  moment  I  receive  such  notice  from  them.  But  I  flatter  myself  they  will  be  able 
to  do  so,  without  me,  as  I  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  receive  such  persons  as  may  be 
sent  from  them.  I  am,  &c.,  &c., 

«JT.  MONTAGU. 

To  Governor  Wanton, 


68  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 


PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  ROYAL  COMMISSION,  FOR 
INQUIRING  INTO  THE  CIRCUMSTANCES  RELA 
TIVE  TO  THE  TAKING  AND  BURNING  OF  HIS 
MAJESTY'S  SCHOONER  GASPEE. 

The  commissioners  met  at  the  state  house,  in  Newport,  on 
the  5th  day  of  January,  1773. 

Present — the  Hon.  Joseph  Wanton,  Daniel  Horsmanden, 
Esquire,  Frederick  Smythe,  Esquire,  Peter  Oliver,  Esquire, 
and  Robert  Auchmuty,  Esquire. 

COLONY  OF  RHODE  ISLAND  AND  PROVIDENCE  PLANTATIONS  : 

Proceedings  had  and  taken  by  virtue  of  a  royal  commission, 
under  the  seal  of  Great  Britain,  directed  to  the  Honorable 
Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Governor  of  the  English  colony  of 
Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  in  New  Eng 
land,  in  America;  Daniel  Horsmanden,  Esq.,  chief  justice 
of  the  Province  of  New  York  ;  Frederick  Smythe,  Esq., 
chief  justice  of  the  Province  of  New  Jersey  ;  Peter  Oliver, 
Esq.,  chief  justice  of  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  in 
New  England  ;  Robert  Auchmuty,  Esq.,  judge  of  the  vice 
admiralty  court,  established  at  Boston,  with  jurisdiction  in 
all  causes  arising  within  the  limits  of  the  colonies  of  New 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode  Island  and  Connec 
ticut,  commissioners  appointed  for  inquiring  into  and  re 
porting  to  His  Majesty  a  full  and  true  account  of  all  the 
circumstances  relative  to  the  attacking,  taking,  plundering 
and  burning  His  Majesty's  armed  schooner,  called  the  Gas- 
pee,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  William  Dudingston,  within 
the  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  in  America,  on  the  10th  day  of 
June,  A.  D.  1772  ;  and  for  other  purposes  therein  men 
tioned,  at  the  colony  house,  at  Newport,  in  Rhode  Island, 
Tuesday,  the  5th  day  of  January,  A.  D.  1773,  the  above 
commissioners  being  present. 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPER.  69 

His  Majesty's  said  royal  commission,  with  instructions  to 
said  commissioners,  under  His  Majesty's  signet  and  sign 
manual,  were  delivered  to  the  said  commissioners,  by  Robert 
Keeler,  Esq.,  commander  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Mercury, 
which  said  commission  was  publicly  read  and  proclaimed. 

On  the  perusal  of  said  instructions,  the  commissioners  con 
ceived  that  the  presence  of  Rear  Admiral  Montagu,  com 
mander  in  chief  of  His  Majesty's  ships  and  vessels  employed 
in  North  America,  was  necessary,  for  the  furtherance  of  the 
present  service. 

The  following  letter  was  thereupon  written,  and  delivered 
by  James  Clarke,  one  of  the  secretaries  to  the  commissioners, 
to  Captain  Symonds,  to  be  by  him  immediately  conveyed  to 
Admiral  Montagu  : 

The  Commissioners  of  Inquiry,  $-c.,  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Newport,  January  5,  1773. 

Sir : — We,  His  Majesty's  commissioners,  for  inquiring  into  the  attacking,  burning 
and  plundering  His  Majesty's  schooner,  the  Gaspee,  &c.,  being  met  at  this  place,  in 
order  to  prevent  the  delay  of  business,  thought  proper  to  receive  the  royal  commis 
sion  and  instructions,  from  Capt.  Keeler,  which,  until  yours  of  the  2d  inst.,  we  con 
cluded  would  have  been  delivered  by  you. 

This  day  the  commission  was  opened  and  published,  and  the  instructions  carefully 
perused  ;  in  one,  of  which,  we  find  the  following  words  :  "  To  the  end  that  they  may 
be  accordingly  arrested,  and  delivered  to  the  custody  of  the  commander  in  chief  ol 
our  ships  and  vessels  in  North  America,  pursuant  to  such  directions  as  we  have 
thought  fit  to  give  for  that  purpose." 

By  virtue  of  these  words,  we  conceive,  that  in  case  any  person  or  persons  should 
be  arrested  for  the  above  mentioned  crime,  you  are  the  only  person  to  whom  such 
prisoners  can  regularly  be  delivered  for  safe  custody ;  therefore,  we  think  your  at 
tendance  at  Newport,  is  absolutely  necessary.  We  are  sorry  to  give  you  this 
trouble ;  but  our  duty,  as  we  apprehend,  obliges  us  to  do  it. 
We  are,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

Your  most  humble  and  obedient  servants, 

JOSEPH  WANTON,  FREDERICK  SMTTHE, 

DANIEL  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER, 

ROBERT  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners. 
TO  Admiral  Montagu. 


70  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 

The  commissioners  then  proceeded  to  take  the  usual  state 
oaths,  which  were  administered  first  by  Daniel  Horsmanden, 
Esq.,  to  Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  and  afterwards  by  him,  to  the 
other  commissioners. 

The  commissioners  then  appointed  James  Erenton  and 
James  Clarke,  Esqs.,  joint  secretaries,  who  were  accordingly 
sworn  truly  and  faithfully  to  execute  the  duties  of  their 
office. 

The  following  is  the  form  of  the  oath  taken  by  the  com 
missioners  : 

The  form  of  the  Oath  taken  by  the  Commissioners. 

We  do  solemnly  and  sincerely,  in  the  presence  of  God,  profess,  testify  and  de 
clare,  that  we  do  believe,  that  in  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper,  there  is  not  any 
transubstantiation  of  the  elements  of  bread  and  wine  into  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ, 
at  or  after  the  consecration  thereof,  by  any  person,  whatsoever ;  and  that  the  invoca 
tion  or  adoration  of  the  Virgin  Mar)-,  or  any  other  saint,  and  the  sacrifice  of  the  mass, 
as  they  are  now  used  in  the  Church  of  Rome,  are  superstitious  and  idolatrous.  And 
we  do  solemnly,  in  the  presence  of  God,  profess,  testify  and  declare,  that  we  do 
make  this  declaration  and  every  part  thereof,  in  the  plain  and  ordinary  sense  of  the 
words  read  unto  us,  as  they  are  commonly  understood  by  English  Protestants, 
without  any  evasion,  equivocation  or  mental  reservation,  whatsoever ;  and  without 
any  dispensation  already  granted  us  for  this  purpose  by  the  Pope,  or  any  other  au 
thority  or  person,  whatsoever ;  or  without  any  hope  of  any  such  dispensation  from 
any  person  or  authority,  whatsoever ;  or  without  thinking  that  we  are,  or  can  be 
acquitted  before  God  or  man,  or  absolved  of  this  declaration,  or  any  part  thereof, 
although  the  Pope,  or  any  other  person  or  persons,  or  power,  whatsoever,  shall 
dispense  with,  or  annul  the  same,  or  declare  that  it  was  null  and  void,  from  the 
beginning.  J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMAXDEN,  PETER  OLIVER. 

ROBT.  AUCtDIUTY, 

We  do  truly  and  sincerely  acknowledge,  profess,  testify  and  declare,  in  our  con 
sciences,  before  God  and  the  world,  that  our  sovereign  lord,  George  the  Third,  is 
the  lawful  and  rightful  King  of  this  realm,  and  all  other  pis  Majesty's  dominions 
thereunto  belonging.  And  we  do  solemnly  and  sincerely  declare,  that  we  do  be 
lieve,  in  our  consciences,  that  not  any  of  the  descendants  of  the  person  who  pre 
tended  to  be  Prince  of  Wales  during  the  life  of  the  late  King  James  the  Second, 
and  since  his  decease  pretended  to  be,  and  took  upon  himself  the  style  and  title  of 
King  of  England,  by  the  name  of  James  the  Third ;  or  of  Scotland,  by  the  name  of 
James  the  Eighth  ;  or  the  style  and  title  of  King  of  Great  Britain,  hath  any  right 
or  title,  whatsoever,  to  the  crown  of  this  realm,  or  any  other  the  dominions  there 
unto  belonging.  And  we  do  renounce,  refuse,  and  abjure  any  allegiance  or  obedi- 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE. 


71 


ence  to  any  of  them.  And  we  do  swear,  that  we  will  bear  faithful  and  true  allegi 
ance  to  His  Majesty  King  George  the  Third,  and  him  will  defend  to  the  utmost  of  our 
power,  against  all  traitorous  conspiracies  and  attempts,  whatsoever,  which  shall  be 
made  against  his  person,  crown  or  dignity.  And  we  will  do  our  utmost  endeavor  to 
disclose  and  make  known  to  His  Majesty,  and  his  successors,  all  treason  and  trai 
torous  conspiracies  which  we  shall  know  to  be  against  him  or  any  of  them.  And 
we  do  faithfully  promise  to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  to  support,  maintain  and  de 
fend  the  succession  of  the  crown  against  the  descendants  of  the  said  James,  and 
against  all  other  persons,  whatsoever ;  which  succession,  by  an  act  entitled  "  An  act 
for  the  further  limitation  of  the  crown,  and  better  securing  the  rights  and  liberties 
of  the  subject,"  is,  and  stands  limited  to  the  princess  Sophia,  electoress  and  duchess 
dowager  of  Hanover,  and  the  heirs  of  her  body,  being  Protestants.  And  all  these 
things  we  do  plainly  and  sincerely  acknowledge  and  swear,  according  to  these  ex 
press  words  by  us  spoken,  and  according  to  the  plain  and  common  sense  and  under 
standing  of  the  -same  words,  without  any  equivocation,  mental  evasion,  or  secret 
reservation,  whatsoever.  And  we  do  make  this  recognition,  acknowledgment,  ab 
juration,  i-enunciation  and  promise  heartily,  willingly  and  truly,  upon  the  true  faith 
of  a  Christian.  So  help  us  God. 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER. 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 


We  do  swear,  that  we  do,  from 
our  hearts,  abhor,  detest  and  ab 
jure,  as  impious  and  heretical,  that 
damnable  doctrine  and  position, 
that  princes  excommunicated  or 
deprived  by  the  Pope  or  any  au 
thority  of  the  See  of  Rome,  may 
be  deposed  or  murdered  by  their 
subjects,  or  any  other,  whatsoever. 
And  we  do  declare,  that  no  foreign 
prince,  person,  prelate,  state,  or 
potentate,  hath,  or  ought  to  have, 
any  jurisdiction,  power,  superi 
ority,  pre-eminence  or  authority, 
ecclesiastical  or  spiritual,  within 
this  realm.  So  help  us  God. 


72  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  commission  were  then  adjourned 
till  to-morrow,  at  11  o'clock,  then  to  meet  at  the  colony  house, 
aforesaid. 

Wednesday,  January  6,  1773. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

The  commissioners  determined  that  it  was  necessary  that  an 
advertisement  be  published  in  the  next  Newport  Mercury, 
giving  notice  that  the  said  commissioners  had  assembled,  and 
were  now  daily  sitting  at  the  colony  house,  in  Newport,  for 
the  purpose  of  proceeding  upon,  and  duly  executing  the  said 
commission ;  and  that  they  are  ready  to  receive  information 
relative  to  the  attacking,  taking,  plundering  and  burning  the  Gas- 
pee  schooner,  on  the  10th  of  June  last  past ;  in  consequence  of 
which  resolutions,  the  following  advertisement  was  ordered  to 
be  published  : 

Advertisement   in  the  Newport  Mercury,  of  the  meetings  of  the, 

Commissioners. 

"  COLONY  OF  RHODE  ISLAND  AND  PROVIDENCE  PLANTATIONS  : 

The  public  are  hereby  informed,  that  the  honorable  the  commissioners,  appointed 
under  the  seal  of  Great  Britain,  for  inquiring  into  the  circumstances  of  attacking, 
plundering  and  burning  His  Majesty's  schooner  Gaspee,  under  the  command  of 
Lieutenant  William  Dudingston,  on  the  10th  of  June  last,  are  now  convened,  and 
continue  to  sit  every  day,  Sundays  excepted,  at  the  colony  house,  in  Newport,  in 
conformity  to  His  Majesty's  instructions. 

Wherefore,  all  persons  who  can  give  any  information  to  the  said  commissioners, 
relative  to  the  assembling,  arming  and  leading  on  the  persons  who  made  the  said 
attack,  and  the  directing  and  preparing  the  same,  are  requested  forthwith  to  give 
information  thereof,  to  said  commissioners  at  the  above  mentioned  place. 

By  order  of  the  commissioners,—  JOSEPH  BRENTON, 

JAMES  CLARKE, 

Secretaries." 

The  proceedings  on  said  commission,  were  then  adjourned 
till  to-morrow,  at  10  o'clock  ;  then  to  meet  at  the  colony 
house,  aforesaid. 

Thursday,  January  7,  1773. 
The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 
Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Frederick  Smythe,  Esq.* 
Peter  Oliver,  Esq.,  Kobert  Auchmuty,  Esq. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  73 

Governor  Wanton  laid  before  the  commissioners  four  letters, 
which  had  passed  between  him,  Admiral  Montagu  and  Lieu 
tenant  Dudingston  ;  also,  one  other  letter,  signed  by  Governor 
Wanton,  and  transmitted  by  him,  by  order  of  the  General  As 
sembly,  of  the  colony,  aforesaid,  to  Rear  Admiral  Montagu  ; 
which  letters,  are  prior  in  date,  to  the  attacking  and  burning 
His  Majesty's  schooner  Gaspee,  which  were  read,  and  ordered 
to  be  put  on  file. 

Sundry  papers,  letters  and  depositions,  to  the  number  of 
twenty,  containing  the  proceedings  of  the  Governor  and 
Deputy  Governor  of  the  colony,  aforesaid,  relative  to  the  burn 
ing  the  schooner,  were  delivered  by  Governor  Wanton  to  the 
commissioners,  which  were  also  read,  and  ordered  on  file. 

Governor  Wanton  informed  the  commissioners,  that  Mr. 
Sessions,  Deputy  Governor  of  the  colony,  was  in  Newport, 
and  ready  to  attend  the  commissioners,  to  give  them  an  ac 
count  of  the  steps  he  had  taken,  in  order  to  discover  the  per 
sons  who  destroyed  His  Majesty's  schooner  Gaspee. 

A  message  was  sent  to  Mr.  Sessions,  requesting  his  attend 
ance  ;  who  accordingly  came  before  the  commissioners,  and 
was  by  them  requested  to  give  in  writing,  upon  ,oath,  a  full 
and  particular  account  of  the  measures  he  had  taken,  in  order 
to  the  discovery  of  the  persons  who  perpetrated  the  aforesaid 
crime  ;  which  he  assured  the  commissioners  he  would  do, 
without  loss  of  time. 

Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  Chief  Justice  of  said  colony,  also 
appeared  before  the  commissioners,  and  assured  them  he  was 
ready  and  willing  to  aid  and  assist  the  commissioners  in  the  ex 
ercise  of  the  power  and  authority  with  which  they  are  in 
vested,  for  discovering  the  persons  who  destroyed  the  Gaspee 
schooner,  &c. 

The  commissioners  then  requested  Mr.  Hopkins  to  give  them, 
in  writing,  a  full  and  particular  account  of  all  the  proceedings 
had  and  done  by  him,  for  discovering  and  bringing  to  justice 
the  persons  who  committed  the  aforesaid  offence  ;  and  also 
what  knowledge  or  information  he  had  obtained  of  the  assem- 
10 


74  TflE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE.     • 

bling,  arming'  and  leading  on  the  persons  who  perpetrated  the 
same  ;    which  he  also  promised  to  do,  without  loss  of  time. 

The  proceedings  on  the  commission  were  then  adjourned  till 
to-morrow,  at  10  o'clock  before  noon  ;  then  to  meet  at  the 
colony  house,  aforesaid. 

Friday,  January  8,  IT 73. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Daniel  Ilorsmanden,  Esq., 
Frederick  Smythe,  Esq.,  Peter  Oliver,  Esq.,  Robert  Auch- 
muty,  Esq. 

Mr.  Brenton,  one  of  the  secretaries  under  the  present  com 
mission,  was  examined  by  the  commissioners,  touching  the  ob 
struction  to  the  execution  of  a  warrant  issued  by  Metcalfe 
Bowler,  Esq.,  on  the  17th  of  July  lust,  in  order  to  apprehend 
the  negro  Aaron,  then  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship,  the 
Beaver  ;  which  examination,  was  reduced  to  writing,  sworn 
to  before  the  commissioners,  and  ordered  to  be  filed. 

Deposition  of  James  Brenton. 

James  Brenton,  now  residing  in  Newport,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  in  North 
America,  Esq.,  being  of  full  age,  duly  sworn  upon  the  holy  evangelists,  deposes  and 
saith : 

That,  upon  the  1  "th  day  of  July  last,  he  was  requested  by  the  Hon.  Joseph  Wan 
ton,  Esq.,  Governor  of  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  aforesaid,  to  attend  Robert  Lilli- 
bridge,  one  of  the  deputy  sheriffs  in  the  county  of  Newport,  in  said  colony,  who  was 
ordered  with  a  warrant  from  Metcalfe  Bowler,  Esq.,  one  of  the  justices  of  assize,  in 
said  colony,  to  repair  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship,  the  Beaver,  and  to  make  diligent 
search  for  one  Aaron,  a  mulatto  lad,  charged  with  being  concerned  (with  others  un 
known),  in  attacking  and  burning  His  Majesty's  schooner,  the  Gaspee,  on  the  10th 
of  June  last ;  and  upon  finding  the  said  Aaron,  to  take  him  before  the  said  Metcalfe 
Bowler,  or  some  other  lawful  authority,  in  order  that  the  said  Aaron  might  be  ex 
amined  relative  to  the  said  transaction,  and  be  proceeded  against,  according  to 
law. 

That  this  deponent,  about  1  o'clock,  in  the  afternoon,  of  the  said  1 7th  day  of  July, 
went  with  the  said  deputy  sheriff,  from  said  Newport,  in  order  to  go  on  board  His 
Majesty's  ship,  the  Beaver,  then  lying  in  the  harbor  of  Newport;  that,  when  the  boat 
in  which  this  deponent  and  the  said  deputy  sheriff  were,  came  near  the  said  ship, 
they  were  forbidden  by  the  sentinel,  upon  the  ship's  gangway,  from  going  on  board. 

This  deponent  then  acquainted  a  person,  who  appeared  to  be  the  commanding 
officer,  upon  the  deck  of  the  said  Ship,  that  he,  this  deponent,  with  your  said  deputy 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  75 

sheriff,  w  re  then  come  to  demand  that  Aaron,  a  mulatto  lad,  who  was  charged  with 
being  concerned  in  the  attacking  and  burning  the  schooner  Gaspee,  and  who,  they 
were  informed,  was  then  on  board  said  ship,  might  be  delivered  to  the  deputy 
sheriff,  in  pursuance  of  a  warrant  for  that  purpose. 

That  the  said  olh'cer  then  on  deck,  answered  this  deponent,  that  Captain  Linzee, 
the  commander  of  the  said  ship,  was  not  on  board  ;  and  that  he,  the  said  officer, 
could  do  nothing  without  orders.  The  said  officer  further  acquainted  them,  that 
Capt.  Lin/ce  was  then  on  shore,  at  Brenton's  Point. 

That,  this  deponent  then,  together  with  the  said  deputy  sheriff,  went  on  shore,  at 
the  farm  of  Jahleel  Brenton  ;  where,  at  the  said  Jahleel  Brenton's  house,  this  de 
ponent  saw  the  said  Capt.  Linzee,  and  acquainted  him  that  he  came  to  attend  the 
deputy  sheriff  with  a  warrant,  in  order  to  demand  of  him,  the  said  Capt.  Linzee, 
that  he  would  deliver  up  to  the  civil  magistrate  a  mulatto  boy,  called  Aaron  (who, 
they  were  informed,  was  on  board  the  Beaver  man-of-war,  under  his  command),  in 
order  for  his  examination  and  commitment ;  and  at  the  same  time,  this  deponent 
showed  to  the  said  C'apt.  Linzee,  the  said  warrant,  and  he  was  then  and  there  re 
quested  to  deliver  up  said  mulatto,  in  consequence  thereof. 

To  which,  the  said  Capt.  Linzee  then  answered,  that  it  was  true  that  he  had  the 
said  mulatto  then  on  board  His  Majesty's  said  ship,  the  Beaver ;  but  that  he  would 
not  deliver  him  to  any  civil  authority,  whatever,  in  the  said  colony. 

This  deponent  then  told  Capt.  Linzee,  that  he,  this  deponent,  came  to  wait  upon 
the  said  Capt.  Linzee,  at  the  particular  request  of  Governor  Wanton,  the  chief  mag 
istrate  of  said  colon}',  in  order  to  explain  to  him,  if  necessary,  the  nature  of  the  war 
rant,  and  the  impropriety  of  Capt.  Linzee's  conduct,  in  withholding  a  man  charged 
with  a  capital  crime,  from  the  civil  power. 

To  which,  Capt.  Linzee  replied,  that  he  knew  no  civil  authority,  in  said  colony  ; 
that,  in  regard  to  the  Governor,  he  was  a  damned  rascal,  and  that  Admiral  Mon 
tagu's  power  was  the  only  power  he  knew  in  America,  and  without  his  orders  he 
should  not  deliver  the  said  mulatto. 

The  deponent  then  asked  him,  the  said  Capt.  Linzee,  if  he  had  any  doubt  about 
the  legality  of  the  warrant,  which  this  deponent  held  in  his  handy 

To  which,  Capt.  Linzee,  looking  carelessly  upon  it,  said,  it  might  be  good  for 
what  he  knew  ;  but  that  he  did  not  regard  it  any  more  than  if  it  was  a  piece  of 
blank  paper. 

This  deponent  further  saith,  that  the  deputy  sheriff  (who  was  with  this  deponent, 
at  Jahleel  Brenton's  farm,)  did  not  go  into  the  house  where  Capt.  Linzee  was,  but 
waited  without  doors,  as  Capt.  Linzee  (being  at  that  time  suspicious  of  being  ar 
rested  by  civil  process,  on  account  of  some  seizures  which  had  been  made  by  him,) 
would  not  consent  that  the  deputy  sheriff  should  see  him.  And  further  this  depo 
nent  saith  not.  J.  BRENTON. 

Newport,  January  8,  177;!. 

Sworn  to,  before  the  commissioners. — • 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  IIORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER. 

ROBT.  AUCIIMUTY, 


76  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

The  commissioners  thought  it  advisable  to  defer  the  exami 
nation  of  any  of  the  witnesses  respecting  the  burning  of  the 
Gaspee,  &c.,  until  the  arrival  of  Admiral  Montagu,  at  New 
port  ;  or  they  receive  an  answer  from  him,  to  their  letter  writ 
ten  the  5th  inst.,  and  transmitted  by  Capt.  Symonds. 

The  proceedings  on  the  commission  then  adjourned  till  to 
morrow,  at  10  o'clock,  in  the  forenoon,  then  to  meet  at  the 
colony  house,  aforesaid. 

Saturday^  January  9,  1773. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Daniel  Ilorsmanden,  Esq., 
Frederick  Smythe,  Esq.,  Peter  Oliver,  Esq.  and  Robert 
Auchmuty,  Esq. 

Darius  Sessions,  Esq.,  Deputy  Governor  of  the  colony  of 
Rhode  Island,  attended  the  commissioners,  with  a  declaration 
in  writing,  containing  a  full  and  particular  account  of  the 
measures  he  had  taken,  in  order  to  make  a  discovery  of  the 
persons  concerned  in  the  attacking  and  burning  the  Gaspeo 
schooner  ;  which  was  read,  sworn  to,  and  ordered  to  be  filed. 

Deposition  of  Deputy  Governor  Darius  Sessions. 

COLOXY  OF  KlIODE  ISLAND,  &C.  : 

Be  it  remembered,  that  at  Newport,  in  said  colon}-,  on  the  9th  day  of  January,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1773,  before  the  commissioners  appointed  by  a  commission  un 
der  the  great  seal  of  Great  Britain,  for  inquiring  into  and  reporting  unto  His  Majesty, 
all  the  circumstances  of  burning  His  Majesty's  schooner  Gaspee,  &c.,  on  the  10th 
of  June  last,  in  his  proper  person,  came  and  appeared  the  Hon.  Darius  Sessions, 
Esq.,  of  Providence,  and  Deputy  Governor  of  the  colony,  aforesaid  ;  who  being 
duly  sworn  upon  the  holy  evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  testifieth  and  saith : 

That  in  the  9th  of  June  last,  at  about  9  o'clock,  he  heard  a  drum  beat  in  the 
street,  opposite  to  his  house.  Soon  after  he  went  to  his  window  and  looked  outr 
and  saw  the  drum  surrounded  by  a  number  of  boys,  at  some  distance  from  the 
house,  going  up  street ;  in  a  short  time  afterwards,  he  heard  the  drum  returning  ; 
whereupon,  he  went  back  to  his  window,  where  he  remained  until  it  passed  his 
house ;  and,  as  the  moon  shone  very  bright,  he  could  plainly  discover  they  were 
only  a  company  of  boys,  not  exceeding  ten  or  twelve  in  number ;  two  or  three  of 
which,  appeared  to  be  about  thirteen  or  fourteen  years  of  age  ;  the  others  about  ten 
or  twelve  ;  and  concluding  they  were  gathered  together  for  no  other  design  than  to 
divert  themselves  with  the  drum,  he  retired  from  his  window,  without  saving  anv- 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  77 

fhinir  to  the'  boys;  soon  after  which,  the  noise  of  the  drum  ceased;  the  remaining  part  of 
that  night,  he  heard  not  the  least  noise  or  disturbance  in  the  streets,  or  in  any  other 
part  of  the  town,  nor  received  any  the  least  hint,  suggestion,  intimation  or  information  of 
any  riot,  outrage  or  tumultuous  assembling  of  the.  people,  nor  intention  thereof; 
neither  did  he  then  know  there  was  an  armed  vessel  in  the  river,  nearer  than  the 
town  of  Newport,  which  is  thirty  miles  from  Providence  ;  had  he  known,  or  even 
suspected  any  riot,  his  utmost  endeavors  would  have  been  exerted  in  surpress- 
ing  it. 

The  next  morning,  one  of  his  neighbors  came  and  told  him  the  Gaspee  was  burnt, 
and  the  captain  wounded;  and  that  an  express  had  arrived  in  town  for  a  surgeon, 
to  dress  the  wounds  of  the  officer,  who  lay  then  at  Pawtuxet,  about  five  miles  from 
Providence. 

Immediately  upon  hearing  this  disagreeable  news,  he  set  out  with  a  design  to  examine 
into  the  affair  ;  and  when  he  reached  Pawtuxet,  he  saw  the  schooner  on  fire,  lying 
on  a  point  of  land,  called  and  known  by  the  name  of  Namquit  Point,  about  two  miles 
from  Pawtuxet.  in  the  town  of  Warwick,  in  the  county  of  Kent,  and  colony,  aforesaid. 

lie  made  inquiry  if  any  of  the  offenders  were-  known,  but  could  get  no  informa 
tion  ;  he  then  went  to  a  small  house  by  the  shore,  where  he  heard  Lieutenant  Dud 
ingston  was  lodged,  and  there  found  him  in  dangerous  circumstances. 

lie  told  Lieutenant  Dudingston  if  he  wanted  money,  surgeons,  or  better  lodgings, 
or  any  kind  of  assistance,  he  should  have  every  relief  in  his  power. 

Mr.  Dudingston  replied,  that  he  had  saA'ed  his  money,  which  was  about  one  hun 
dred  dollars,  and  therefore  wanted  no  favors  for  himself;  but  desired  that  some  care 
might  be  taken  of  his  people,  that  they  might  be  Collected  together,  and  sent  to  the 
admiral,  at  Boston,  or  on  board  the  Beaver,  at  Newport,  which  the  deponent  prom 
ised  he  would  do. 

lie  then  told  Mr.  Dudingston  the  design  of  his  visit  at  that  time,  was  not  only  to 
afford  him  any  assistance  lie  might  need,  but  also  to  procure  such  a  declaration  from 
his  own  mouth,  respecting  the  attack  that  had  been  made  on  his  person,  and  the 
vessel  lie  commanded,  that  the  offenders  might  be  brought  to  justice. 

Mr.  Dudingston  answered,  that  he  would  give  him  no  account  of  the  matter. 
First,  because  of  his  indisposition  of  body ;  and  second,  because  it  was  his  duty  to 
forbear  any  thing  of  that  nature,  until  he  had  done  it  unto  a  court  martial,  unto 
which,  if  lie  lived,  he  would  be  called  by  his  commanding  officer. 

The  deponent  then  asked  him,  if  he  was  willing  he  should  examine  his  officers 
and  people  ;  which,  after  some  refusal,  he  consented  to  ;  .and  they  all  agreeing 
nearly  to  every  thing  material  relative  to  the  destruction  of  the  schooner,  he  forth 
with  transmitted  copies  of  their  examinations  to  the  Governor. 

The  deponent  then  gave  orders  that  the  seamen  should  be  collected  together,  and 
provided  with  victuals  and  lodgings,  and  that  a  boat  should  be  got  ready  by  the  next 
morning,  to  carry  them  on  board  the  Beaver;  all  which,  was  executed  with  care 
and  expedition. 

The  deponent  also  gave  orders  that  the  stores  and  remains  should  be  collected 
and  lodged  in  a  warehouse,  which  was  done,  and  soon  after  delivered  to  Capt 
Linxee,  of  the  Beaver. 

lie  also  desired  a  gentleman,  who  lived  near  Mr.  Dudingston,  to  supply  said  Dud 
ingston  with  any  thing  he  wanted ;  and  also  that  he  Avould  lodge  and  entertain  any 
surgeons  or  others,  who  might  come  to  visit  him ;  and  which  the  deponent  verily  be- 


78  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    OASPEE. 

lieves  he  verily  complied  with.     These  expenses  were  recommended  by  the  depo 
nent,  to  the  General  Assembly,  who  ordered  payment  out  of  the  public  tivasury. 

The  deponent  consulted  with  the  Chief  Justice,  and  most  of  the  civil  au 
thority  in  that  part  of  the  colony  where  he  resides,  who  highly  disapproved  of  the 
riot ;  and  universally  declared  they  were  ignorant  of  any  of  the  proceedings,  and 
gave  it  as  their  opinion  that  measures  ought  to  be  pursued  for  discovering  and 
bringing  to  justice  the  perpetrators. 

A  proclamation  was  soon  after  issued  by  the  Governor,  which  was  posted  up  in 
all  the  towns  near  where  the  offence  was  committed ;  but  as  yet,  the  deponent  has 
not  received  any  information  of  any  of  the  persons  concerned  in  that  offence  ;  nei 
ther  has  he  ever  heard  that  information  has  been  made  to  any  of  the  civil  authority 
within  the  colony.  And  further  this  deponent  saitli  not. 

DARIUS  SESSIONS. 

N.  B.  The  words,  "  nor  intention  thereof,"  on  the  fifth  line  of  the  second  page  ; 
"  and  colony,  aforesaid,"  on  the  eighteenth  line  of  the  same  page  ;  '•  which,  after 
some  refusal,  he  consented  to,  and  they,"  in  the  nineteenth  line  of  the  third  page  : 
'•  relative  to  the  destruction  of  the  schooner,"  in  the  twentieth  line  of  the  same 
page,  were  interlined  before  the  above  deposition  was  signed  and  sworn  to. 

Sworn  to,  at  Newport,  this  9th  day  of  January,  before  us. — • 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  IIORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER. 

ROBT.  AUCTIMUTY. 


A  letter  was  delivered  to  the  commissioners,  about  two  o' 
clock,  P.  M.,  then  sitting  at  the  colony  house,  by  express,  in 
answer  to  their  letter  of  the  5th  instant,  and  forwarded  by 
Capt.  Symonds,  which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  be  filed. 

Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Commissioners,  Sf-c. 

Boston,  8th  January,  1773,    ] 
1  o'clock,  P.  M.  { 

Gentlemen  : — I  was  last  night  favored  with  your  letter,  by  Capt.  Symonds  ;  and 
as  you  are  so  desirous  of  having  me  at  Rhode  Island,  I  shall,  without  you  alter  your 
opinions,  set  out  on  Monday  next. 

At  the  same  time,  give  me  leave  to  observe  to  you,  that  my  coming  at  the  time, 
is  attended  with  a  great  delay  to  His  Majesty's  service  here,  and  at  Halifax,  and  can 
answer  no  purpose,  as  I  have  fully  and  properly  directed  the  commanding  ofiicer  at 
that  place  in  what  manner  he  is  to  act,  relative  to  his  assisting  the  commissioners 
and  receiving  the  prisoners. 

You  say,  by  your  instructions,  you  are  directed  to  deliver  to  the  custody  of  the  com 
mander  in  chief  of  His  Majesty's  ships  and  vessels  in  North  America,  all  such  prisoners 
as  may  be  apprehended ;  and  therefore,  you  are  of  opinion,  that  in  that  case,  if  any 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  79 

person  or  persons  should  be  arrested  for  the  crime  set  forth  in  your  commission,  I  am 
the  only  pei-sou  to  whom  such  prisoners  can  regularly  be  delivered,  for  safe  custody. 

In  answer  to  which,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  the  sixth  paragraph  of  My  Lord 
Dartmouth's  letter,  to  Governor  Wanton,  where  you  will  see,  "  The  prisoners  are  to 
be  delivered  to  the  care  and  custody  of  Hear  Admiral  Montagu,  or  the  commander 
in  chief  in  North  America,  for  the  time  being,  or  to  such  officer  as  he  shall  appoint 
to  receive  them." 

By  my  instructions  from  the  lords  of  the  admiralty,  I  am  directed  to  repair  to 
Rhode  Island,  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be,  with  such  of  His  Majesty's  ships  and 
vessels  under  my  command,  as  I  shall  judge  proper,  and  give  all  the  aid  and  assist 
ance  in  my  power,  lor  discovering  and  bringing  to  justice  the  offenders. 

The  winter  season  is  so  far  advanced,  as  prevents  my  complying  with  that  part 
of  my  orders,  as  it  is  very  improper  to  move  so  large  a  ship  as  the  Captain,  at  this 
time  of  the  year;  and  without  her,  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  carry  on  the  service. 

I  flatter  myself,  there  has  been  no  delay  of  business,  owing  to  my  not  coming  with 
the  commission  ;  for  had  I  been  there.  I  should  have  tendered  it  in  the  same  man 
ner  I  have  done,  as  by  my  instructions,  I  am  directed,  when  the  commissioners  are 
ready  to  receive  it,  to  cause  it  to  be  delivered  to  them. 

I  shall  certainly  set  out  on  Monday  next,  if  I  can  complete  my  business  here,  and 
be  ready  to  give  you  every  assistance  in  my  power. 
I  am,  with  respect,  gentlemen. 

Your  most  obedient,  and  most  humble  servant, 

J.  MONTAGU. 

To  His  Majesty's  commissioners,  at  Rhode  Island. 

The  commissioners  immediately  agreed  to  an  answer  ;  which 
was  written  accordingly,  and  sent  off  about  three  o'clock,  by 
the  same  express. 

Monday,  January  11,  1773. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Daniel  Horsmanden,  Esq., 
Frederick  Smythe,  Esq.,  Peter  Oliver,  Esq.,  and  Robert  Auch- 
muty,  Esq. 

The  commissioners  received  a  letter  from  Metcalfe  Bowler, 
Esq.,  one  of  the  justices  of  assize,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Is 
land,  tendering  his  services  in  aid  of  the  commission,  which 
was  read,,  and  ordered  to  be  filed. 


80  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 


Justice  Metcalfe  Bolder  to  the  Commissioners,  $-c. 

Newport,  January  11.  177;*. 

Gentlemen  : — In  obedience  to  His  Majesty's  command,  signified  by  Lord  Dartmouth, 
to  His  Honor  the  Governor,  dated  Whitehall,  September  4th.  1  772.  which  was  laid  be 
fore  the  General  Assembly,  wherein  His  Lordship  expressed  His  Majesty's  depend 
ence  upon  the  care  and  vigilance  of  the  civil  magistrates  of  the  colony,  to  take  the 
proper  measures  for  arresting  and  committing  to  custody,  in  order  to  their  being 
brought  to  justice,  such  persons  as  shall,  upon  proper  information  before  them,  or 
before  His  Majesty's  commissioners,  appear  to  have  been  concerned  in  the  plunder 
ing  and  destroying  His  Majesty's  schooner  Gaspee,  and  dangerously  wounding  and 
ill-treating  His  Majesty's  oflicer  who  commanded  her.  &c. 

As  a  civil  magistrate,  and  one  of  His  Majesty's  justices  of  assize,  in  and  throughout 
the  colony,  impressed  with  a  regard  for  the  dignity  of  the  crown,  and  the  welfare  of 
the  colony,  I  now  tender  niy  assistance,  whenever  it  shall  be  necessary  ;  and  when 
called  upon  by  the  commissioners,  or  otherwise,  will  exert  every  authority  which  the 
colony  has  invested  me  with,  towards  the  apprehending  any  persons  against  whom 
information  may  be  lodged,  of  being  concerned  in  the  destruction  of  His  Majesty's 
schooner,  the  Gaspee,  or  may  appear  to  have  been  any  ways  aiding  or  assisting  in 
that  most  daring  insult  offered  against  His  Majesty's  crown  and  dignity,  within  the 
colony,  on  the  10th  of  June  last. 

I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

METCALFE  BOWLER, 

To  the  Honorable  His  Majesty's  Commissioners. 

The  commissioners  issued  a  summons  for  bringing  before 
them  Stephen  Gulley,  a  witness,  relative  to  the  taking  and 
burning  of  the  Gaspee  schooner,  in  order  to  be  examined  be 
fore  them,  at  11  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Tuesday,  January  12. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Daniel  Horsmanden,  Esq., 
Frederick  Sinythe,  Esq.,  Peter  Oliver,  Esq.,  and  Robert  Auch- 
muty,  Esq. 

Stephen  Gulley,  who  was  summoned  to  give  evidence  to  the 
commissioners,  of  what  he  knew  concerning  the  attacking  and 
burning  the  Gaspee,  &c.,  appeared  before  them,  and  was  ex 
amined  upon  oath  ;  which  examination  was  reduced  to  writ 
ing,  signed  by  the  deponent,  and  ordered  to  be  filed. 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEfi.  81 


The  Deposition  of  Stephen  Gulley. 

The  examination  on  oath,  of  Stephen  Gulley,  before  the  honorable  commissioners, 
tliis  12th  day  of  January,  A.  D.  1773. 

Question — What  is  your  name  and  occupation  ? 

Answer — Stephen  Gulley,  is  my  name,  and  a  husbandman,  my  occupation. 

Q. — What  age  are  you  V 

A. — Aged  forty-one  years. 

Q. — Where  is  your  place  of  abode  ? 

A. — At  Smithlield,  in  the  county  of  Providence,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island. 

Q.— Have  you  lately  been  on  board  any  of  His  Majesty's  ships  ?  What  ship  ? 
How  long  have  you  been  on  board  V 

A.— That  he  has  been  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship,  the  Lizard,  ever  since  Tues 
day  last ;  and  that  he  went  voluntarily  on  board  for  his  own  personal  safety. 

Q. — What  reason  had  you  to  suppose  you  was  unsafe  ? 

A. — On  Monday  night,  the  5th  inst.,  he  went  into  the  public  house,  at  the  ferry, 
on  Rhode  Island  side,  where  he  sat  down  and  called  for  some  drink,  which  they 
gave  him  ;  he  then  called  for  supper,  and  had  it ;  afterwards,  he  rose  from  the  table 
and  sat  down  near  the  fire-place,  by  the  master  of  the  house,  when  a  man,  unknown 
to  him,  came  and  sat  down  by  his  side. 

I  asked  where  he  was  bound ;  he  said  to  Newport.  The  man  told  him  he  would 
not  get  there  ;  he  asked  him  for  what  reason  he  thought  so ;  he  replied,  there  were 
about  twenty  armed  men  in  the  road,  one  of  them,  with  two  brass  pistols ;  who, 
he  said,  were  come  to  take  him  alive  or  dead,  to  carry  him  back  to  Providence ; 
that  he,  said  man,  went  out  into  the  other  room. 

The  landlord  then  spoke  to  the  deponent,  and  told  liim  he  would  give  him  a  word 
of  advice  ;  he  said  there  were  about  twenty  armed  men,  that  said  they  would  have 
him,  the  deponent ;  and  that  he  did  not  know  but  they  would  tear  his  house  down, 
if  he  stayed  there. 

He  then  called  his  children,  and,  he  believes,  his  wife,  into  the  room,  and  gave 
them  a  strict  charge  to  tell  the  men,  if  they  inquired  after  this  deponent,  that  he 
was  gone  out  with  the  landlord,  to  talk  together  ;  and  that  this  happened  about 
eight  o'clock,  in  the  evening. 

The  landlord  then  told  him  he  would  show  him  a  way  where  he  might  escape  their 
hands,  that  they  might  know  nothing  where  he  was  gone.  The  landlord  then  went 
with  him  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  he  thinks  from  said  house,  in  sight  of  a  pond, 
and  they  then  parted,  the  landlord  first  directing  him  to  the  road  to  Newport. 

Q. — What  do  you  know  relative  to  the  attacking  and  burning  the  Gaspee 
schooner,  on  the  said  1  Oth  of  June  last  ? 

A. — As  to  my  own  knowledge,  I  know  nothing  about  it ;  but  that  some  time 
about  the  last  of  December  last,  he  was  told  by  Capt.  William  Thayer,  of  Mendon, 
in  the  Province  of  Massachusetts,  that  Saul  Ramsdale,  late  of  Mendon,  who  was  a 
shoemaker,  at  work  at  Providence,  at  the  time  the  Gaspee  was  burnt,  told  him  and 
one  of  his  sons,  he  knew  who  the  persons  were,  who  were  concerned  in  that  affair ; 
and  that  he,  the  said  Ramsdale,  was  in  company  with  them,  before  they  went  off 
from  Providence,  but  did  not  go  himself;  upon  which,  this  deponent  went  immedi 
ately  to  Ramsdale,  who  was  then  at  Mendon. 

11 


82  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

He  found  a  young  fellow  with  him ;  but  upon  this  deponent  telling  Ramsdale  that 
he  wanted  a  private  conversation  with  him,  the  young  man  went  away ;  this  depo 
nent  then  asked  him  about  the  burning  of  said  Gaspee  schooner,  and  whether  he 
had  any  knowledge  of  that  matter. 

Ramsdale  then  asked  him  who  told  him  that  he,  Ramsdale,  knew  any  thing  of 
that  matter. 

He  told  him  he  did  not  choose  to  say  who  gave  him  that  intelligence  ;  he,  said 
deponent,  then  told  him,  if  he  would  give  this  deponent  any  intelligence  about 
the  burning  the  Gaspee  schooner,  he  would  be  a  good  friend  to  him. 

Ramsdale  then  told  him  he  did  know  something  about  the  thing ;  that  he 
knew  the  heads  of  the  gang  that  went  down  the  river  with  that  intention  ;  that  he 
saw  two  men  with  guns  under  their  arms  ;  and  one  of  them  swore  with  a  very  high 
oath,  that  he  would  be  revenged  upon  the  affair  he  was  going  upon,  before  he  re 
turned  ;  and  that  he,  the  said  Ramsdale,  was  picked  for  one  of  the  gang  to  go  with 
them ;  but  being  faint-hearted  and  discouraged,  he  did  not  go. 

This  deponent  then  asked  him  whether  some  of  the  Browns  were  not  con 
cerned. 

Ramsdale  answered  yes ;  but  does  not  remember  that  he  mentioned  his  Christian 
name. 

He,  this  deponent,  then  asked  him  how  many  in  number  there  were  ;  if  there 
were  two  hundred. 

He  said  more. 

He  then  asked  him,  if  there  were  four  hundred. 

He  said  not  so  many. 

He  then  asked  him,  if  there  were  three  hundred. 

He  said  yes. 

He  then  asked  him,  if  there  were  any  more. 

He  said  yes  ;  something  upwards. 

He  then  parted  with  said  Ramsdale,  and  this  deponent  then  went  to  Boston. 
This  deponent  further  saith,  that  he  had  been  acquainted  with  said  Ramsdale  many 
years ;  that  he  told  said  Ramsdale  that  he  would  be  sent  for,  and  Ramsdale  begged 
he  would  not  discover  him.  STEPHEN  GULLET. 

Newport,  12th  January,  1773. 

Sworn  to,  before  us, — 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER. 

ROBT.  AUCHMTJTY, 

The  commissioners  were  of  opinion,  that  it  was  necessary  to 
issue  a  summons  to  Saul  Ramsdale,  William  Thayer  and  Jo 
seph  Borden. 

A  summons  was  accordingly  issued,  and  delivered  to  Samuel 
Clarke^  who  was  sent  offexpressj  at  2  o'clock. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  83 

Wednesday,  January  13,  1773. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Daniel  Horsmanden,  Esq., 
Frederick  Smythes  Esq.,  Peter  Oliver,  Esq.,  and  Rober  tAuch- 
nmty,  Esq. 

Joseph  Borden,  of  Portsmouth,  inn-holder,  pursuant  to  sum 
mons,  appeared  before  the  commissioners,  and  was  examined 
upon  oath  ;  which  examination,  was  taken  in  writing,  and  or 
dered  to  be  filed. 

The  Deposition  of  Joseph  Borden. 

Colony  of  Rhode  Island,   \ 
Newport,  ss.  January  13th,  1773.      > 

Joseph  Borden.  of  Portsmouth,  in  the  county  of  Newport,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode 
Island,  &c.,  landholder,  of  lawful  age,  appeared  before  the  honorable  commissioners 
for  inquiring  into  the  circumstances  of  burning  the  Gaspee,  &c. ;  and  being  sworn 
upon  the  holy  evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  deposeth  and  saith  : 

That  some  time  in  the  beginning  of  last  week,  a  man  came  to  his  house,  in  Ports 
mouth,  who  called  himself  Stephen  Galley ;  he  appeared  to  be  in  liquor,  and  re- 
quested  that  he  might  have  supper  and  lodgings,  which  the  deponent  told  him  he 
might  have. 

Before  supper,  he  went  from  the  deponent's  house,  in  company  with  one  Thomas 
Aylesbury  ;  and  as  they  had  both  been  noisy  and  used  very  bad  language,  the  de 
ponent  fastened  the  doors  of  his  house,  in  order  to  keep  them  out. 

After  some  time,  this  Stephen  Gulley  returned,  and  knocked  at  the  door ;  upon 
which,  he  let  him  in,  and  told  him  his  supper  was  ready  in  the  back  room ;  and 
while  he  was  eating  his  supper,  Aylesbury  returned,  and  said  to  Gulley.  "  My  friend, 
I  believe  you  are  upon  some  bad  design,  as  I  understood,  by  your  talk,  you  are  going 
to  Newport  to  give  information  about  the  burning  the  Gaspee." 

To  which,  Gulley  replied,  that  "  It  was  nobody's  business  but  his  own." 

Then  Aylesbury  told  him,  he  would  not  get  to  Newport,  as  there  were  a  number 
of  Indians,  with  brass  pistols,  in  the  road,  who  would  take  care  of  him. 

But  this  deponent  in  fact  sayeth,  that  he  did  not  know,  neither  has  he  any  reason 
to  believe,  there  were  any  Indians  in  the  road  leading  to  Newport ;  and  the  depo 
nent  supposed  that  Aylesbury  told  his  story  to  Gulley,  with  no  other  design  but  to 
frighten  him. 

After  Aylesbury  left  the  room,  Gulley  asked  the  deponent  what  he  should  do  ! 
and  as  he  recollected  Aylesbury  was  in  liqucr,  and  did  not  know  but  there  might 
be  some  disturbance  between  him  and  Gulley,  he,  the  deponent,  told  Gulley  there 
was  a  lower  road  that  he  might  go  in,  by  which  he  might  avoid  that  which  Ayles- 
1'ury  had  told  him  the  Indians  were  in  ;  and  if  he  would  pay  his  reckoning,  he  would 
go  and  direct  him  to  that  road. 

On  which,  he  asked  the  deponent  if  he  would  not  take  a  weapon  with  him. 

Whereupon,  he  replied,  that  he  should  not  take  a  weapon  with  him,  as  he  did  not 


84  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

believe  any  body  would  hurt  him,  the  deponent,  or  the  said  Gulley ;  and  then  im 
mediately  proceeded  to  show  him  the  road,  by  going  with  him,  as  far  as  his  barn, 
which  is  about  twenty  rods  from  the  deponent's  house  ;  and  showed  him  a  pond,  near 
to  which,  was  a  road ;  and  directed  him  to  take  that  road,  and  steer  southward,  till 
he  came  into  the  main  road,  which  he  would  soon  do.  The  deponent  then  left 
Gulley,  and  returned  to  his  dwelling  house,  where  he  saw  nobody  but  his  own 
family,  either  in  the  house  or  about  it,  and  every  thing  remained  quiet. 

And  this  deponent  further  saith,  that  while  he  was  in  the  kitchen,  soon  after 
Gulley  came  to  his  house,  and  before  Aylesbury  had  told  Gulley  he  believed  he  was 
upon  some  bad  design,  he  heard  a  person  reading  the  King's  proclamation  for  dis 
covering  the  persons  who  burnt  the  Gaspee  schooner ;  upon  which,  Gulley  said  it 
was  a  fine  reward,  and  he  intended  to  have  it ;  and  the  deponent  believes  that 
Aylesbury  was  then  in  the  room  ;  and  further,  this  deponent  saith  not. 

JOSEPH  BORDEN. 

Sworn  to,  at  Newport,  the  day  and  year  before  written,  before  us,— 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER, 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Thursday,  January  14,  1773. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Daniel  Horsmanden,  Esq., 
Frederick  Smythe,  Esq.,  Peter  Oliver,  Esq.  and  Robert  Auch- 
muty,  Esq. 

Aaron,  the  mulatto,  appeared  before  the  commisssioners, 
and  was  examined  upon  oath,  relative  to  the  burning  the  Gas- 
pee,  which  was  taken  in  writing,  and  filed. 

Deposition  of  the  Negro  Aaron  Briggs. 

The  examination  of  Aaron,  a  mulatto,  upon  oath,  taken  this  14th  day  of  January, 
A.  D.  1773. 

Aaron  Briggs,  aged  eighteen  years,  or  thereabout,  declares,  that  at  the  age  of  five 
years,  he  was  bound  by  the  town  of  Portsmouth,  an  apprentice  to  Capt.  Samuel 
Tompkins,  of  Prudence  Island,  until  he  should  arrive  at  the  age  of  twenty-four 
years  ;  from  which  time,  until  he  went  on  board  the  man-of-war,  he  was  constantly 
in  the  service  of  the  said  Capt.  Tompkins,  as  a  laborer,  on  his  farm. 

That  his  master  kept  a  two-mast  boat,  in  which  to  transport  his  farm  produce  to 
market ;  which  was  the  only  sail-boat  within  five  miles  of  his  master's  farm,  at  the 
time  the  Gaspee  was  burnt. 

That,  at  that  time,  one  Remington,  who  lived  about  one  mile  from  where  the  de 
ponent  lived,  had  a  row-boat,  large  enough  for  six  hands  to  row ;  also,  one  Ephraim 
Peirce,  at  about  a  mile  and  a  half  distance,  had  a  two-mast  boat ;  and  that  the  sails 
of  his  master's  boat,  had  been  taken  off  some  time  before  the  night  on  which  the 
Gaspee  was  burnt ;  and  she  leaked  in  such  a  manner,  that  she  could  not  sail. 

That  a  little  after  sunset,  on  the  night  on  which  the  Gaspee  was  burnt,  he  left  the 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    QASPEE.  85 

island  of  Prudence,  but  does  not  know  the  day  of  the  week,  or  the  day  of  the 
month  :  that  he  went  off  the  island  in  a  little  fishing-boat,  of  two  oars,  which  boat 
lay  just  before  the  house ;  that  before  sunrise,  and  about  an  hour  after  day-break, 
he  returned  to  his  master's  house,  from  the  shore  where  they  landed  the  people  be 
longing  to  the  Gasper- ;  which  shore,  was  about  a  mile  above  said  Gaspee  ;  and  the 
Gaspee  about  six  miles  from  his  master's  house ;  and  that  it  was  about  four  or  five 
miles  from  his  master's,  to  the  place  where  they  landed  the  Gaspee  people  ;  that  he 
found  the  oars  in  the  boat,  that  he  went  off  said  island  in. 

That  the  reason  he  went  off  the  island,  was  to  carry  the  boat  round  to  the  east 
side  of  said  island,  to  carry  a  man  named  Samuel  Faulkner,  a  hired  man,  to  Bristol 
the  next  night ;  and  that  this  young  man  told  the  deponent,  that  he  would  ask  his 
master's  leave,  for  that  purpose. 

That  going  round  said  island,  at  about  half  a  mile  from  said  shore  of  said  island, 
he  met  a  boat  and  one  Potter,  whose  Christian  name  he  does  not  know,  and  whom 
he,  in  company  with  Faulkner,  abovenamed,  had  once  seen  on  a  wharf,  at  Bristol, 
and  there  heard  him  called  by  the  name  of  Potter. 

And  further  says,  that  said  Faulkner  told  him,  that  that  was  the  person  who 
qwned  the  rope-walk  at  Bristol,  which  they  had  been  in  ;  that  when  he  met  said 
Potter,  as  above  mentioned,  he  was  in  a  boat  which  was  rowed  with  eight  oars ;  that 
the  time  he  met  the  said  Potter,  was  about  half  an  hour  after  he,  this  deponent  left 
the  island,  and  he,  said  Potter,  was  about  five  miles  from  Bristol ;  that  there  were 
eleven  men  in  said  boat ;  said  Potter  was  in  the  stern  sheets ;  that  the  weather  was 
cloudy  ;  that  Avhen  Potter  hailed  him,  they  were  about  fifteen  rods  distant. 

The  first  words  Potter  spoke,  was  by  asking  who  was  in  that  boat. 

The  deponent  answered,  he  was  in  there. 

Potter  told  him  to  come  that  way,  he  wanted  to  speak  to  him. 

Upon  which,  he  went  to  him ;  and  Potter  told  him  he  wanted  this  deponent  to 
go  up  with  him,  about  a  mile,  and  that  he  would  be  back  in  an  hour. 

This  deponent  said  he  could  not ;  he  was  in  a  hurry  to  go  home. 

To  which,  Potter  replied,  he  must  go  with  him. 

The  deponent  answered,  he  could  not ;  he  must  go  home,  or  his  master  would 
punish  him ;  and  this  deponent  then  began  to  row  away. 

Potter  told  him  he  wanted  this  deponent  to  go  with  him,  to  fetch  something  down, 
which  this  deponent  had  forgotten ;  and  that  he  would  pay  him  for  so  doing. 

This  deponent  said  he  had  rather  go  home,  for  if  his  master  should  miss  him,  he 
would  say  he  was  out  all  night,  and  flog  him. 

Upon  which,  Potter  said,  there  is  no  can't  in  the  matter  ;  you  must  go  along  with 
me  ;  we  shall  be  back  in  an  hour ;  and  further  said,  give  me  your  painter,  you  need 
not  row,  we  will  carry  you  up  there. 

Upon  which,  this  deponent  gave  them  the  painter ;  that  he,  this  deponent,  being 
in  his  own  boat,  was  rowed  up  by  Potter's  boat,  till  they  came  within  half  a  mile  of 
the  schooner. 

Potter  then  said  to  this  deponent,  get  into  my  boat ;  that  he  got  into  the  boat ; 
Potter  then  told  him,  they  were  going  to  burn  the  man-of-war  schooner,  and  that 
he,  this  deponent,  must  go  with  him. 

To  which  he  replied,  that  it  was  hard  for  him  to  be  brought  there,  where  htj 
might  lose  his  life. 

Potter  then  said,  they  were  all  upon  their  lives. 

This  deponent  still  repeated,  it  was  hard  for  him  to  go- 


86  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

But  Potter  said  he  must  go,  now  he  was  there  ;  that  they  would  give  him  a  wea 
pon,  and  he  must  do  as  they  did,  knock  them  down,  and  not  let  them  kill  him,  if  lie 
could  help  it,  and  gave  him  a  handspike  ;  the  rest  were  armed  some  with  cutlasses, 
some  with  muskets;  this  happened  at  about  10  o'clock,  at  night. 

Potter  further  told  this  deponent,  that  they  expected  sixteen  or  seventeen  more 
boats  from  Providence. 

In  about  an  hour  afterwards,  they  met  eight  boats,  about  half  a  mile  from  the 
schooner,  which  appeared  to  be  pretty  full  of  people. 

Upon  their  meeting,  Potter  and  two  men,  called  Brown  by  the  people,  whom  this 
deponent  did  not  know,  talked  about  how  they  should  board  the  schooner.  One  of 
these  persons,  called  Brown,  got  into  Potter's  boat,  on  which  they  were  hailed  from 
the  Gaspee,  and  told  to  stand  of!';  upon  which,  Brown  said  row  up. 

Immediately  after,  he,  this  deponent,  saw  the  captain  of  the  schooner  come  upon 
deck,  in  his  breeches,  and  fired  a  pistol  into  one  of  the  boats,  and  wounded  one  of 
the  men  in  the  thigh ;  that  he  saw  a  man  who  was  in  the  boat  with  Potter,  and  who 
-was  called  Brown,  fire  a  musket,  which  wounded  the  captain;  after  which,  there 
was  no  more  firing ;  but  they  instantly  boarded  the  schooner ;  that  the  captain  of 
the  schooner,  when  he  was  wounded,  he  thinks,  stood  by  the  foreshrouds,  upon  the 
left  hand  side. 

When  they  got  on  board,  there  were  about  four  of  the  schooner's  men  on  deck, 
and  the  rest  were  coming  up  out.  of  the  hold;  and  somebody  said,  "  Knock  'em 
down  and  kill  them ;  no  matter  what  you  do  with  them." 

That  this  deponent  did  not  know  the  Browns,  nor  hear  them  called  by  their 
Christian  names  ;  and  further  declares,  that  it  was  John  Brown,  who  shot  the  cap 
tain ;  and  that  he  hath  never  seen  either  of  the  Browns  since. 

That  after  they  got  possession  of  the  vessel,  they  took  the  hands  belonging  to  the 
schooner,  and  threw  them  down  the  hold  ;  and  this  happened  about  3  o'clock,  in  the 
morning. 

Then  the  people  searched  the  vessel,  took  the  captain's  papers,  which  he  desired 
they  would  give  him  ;  but  they  refused,  tore  them,  and  threw  them  overboard.  Then 
they  took  the  Gaspee's  people,  tied  their  hands,  and  put  them  into  the  boat,  and 
carried  them  ashore,  this  deponent  going  with  them. 

By  the  time  they  got  half  way  ashore,  the  schooner  was  on  fire  ;  that  before  they 
went  ashore,  a  doctor,  whom  the}-  called  Weeks,  from  one  of  the  boats,  dressed  the 
captain's  wounds ;  that  when  they  had  landed  the  people,  they  untied  their  hands, 
and  let  them  go,  and  the  captain  of  the  schooner  they  carried  up  to  a  house. 

After  they  had  landed  the  men,  they  put  off  to  return,  and  Potter  told  them  he 
would  give  him  two  dollars  for  what  he  had  done,  which  he  accordingly  did ;  upon 
which,  this  deponent  set  off  in  his  own  boat,  and  rowed  home :  that  it  was  about 
four  o'clock,  when  they  had  landed  the  schooner's  people  ;  that  it  was  a  moonlight 
night,  but  sometimes  cloudy  ;  that  soon  after  the  people  had  boarded  the  schooner, 
they  hoisted  the  top-sails,  her  head  laying  up  towards  Providence  ;  and  he  saw  nothing 
further  done  to  her,  or  her  sails ;  that  the  schoooner,  when  they  boarded  her,  was 
aground ;  that  the  person  who  acted  as  surgeon,  he  thinks  he  has  seen  at  his  mas 
ter's  house  ;  but  is  not  sure  it  was  the  same  person. 

This  deponent  further  says,  that  the  person  to  whom  he  first  gave  an  account  of 
the  above  affair  of  burning  the  Gaspee,  was  Capt.  Linzee,  of  the  Beaver. 

Some  time  after  the  burning  of  the  schooner,  he  went  on  board  the  Beaver,  in  his 
master's  said  boat ;  that  immediately  upon  his  going  on  board,  they  put  him  in  irons, 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  87 

f 

because  they  imagined  he  intended  to  run  away  from  his  master  ;  it  was  about  10 
o'clock,  at  night,  when  the  deponent  was  put  in  irons,  and  was  released  about  10 
o'clock,  the  next  day,  and  then  they  were  going  to  flog  him. 

After  he  was  tied  up  to  the  mast,  one  of  the  Gaspee's  men,  called  Paddy  Alis, 
jumped  up,  and  told  the  captain,  that  he  thought  he,  this  deponent,  was  one  that 
was  aboard  the  schooner  Gaspee. 

About  this  time,  the  deponent  had  said  nothing  about  the  burning  of  the  schooner, 
nor  had  made  no  discovery  relating  to  what  he  knew. 

The  captain  asked  the  man  if  he  was  sure  of  it. 

He  said  yes. 

The  captain  asked  what  clothes  he  had  on. 

The  man  said  two  frocks. 

Then  the  captain  told  the  man  to  examine  what  clothes  he  had,  which  they  found 
were  two  frocks. 

There  was  no  mention  made  of  any  other  clothes.  The  next  day,  Paddy  Alis, 
and  the  deponent,  were  called  up  before,  the  captain,  who  asked  Paddy  if  he  was 
sure  that  this  deponent  was  one  concerned  in  the  attack  on  the  schooner. 

He  said  yes. 

He  further  asked  him,  if  he  could  swear  to  it. 

He  answered  yes. 

That  the  captain  then  administered  an  oath  to  the  said  Paddy,  upon  the  Bible, 
who  swore  that  this  deponent  was  there. 

The  captain  then  said  to  this  deponent,  "  My  lad,  you  see  this  man  has  declared 
you  was  there ;  and  if  you  don't  tell  who  was  there  with  you,  I  will  hang  you  at  the 
yard  arm,  immediately  ;  and  if  you  do,  you  shall  not  be  hurt." 

Upon  which,  this  deponent  told  the  captain  all  the  heads  that  were  there ;  the 
captain  saying  he  did  not  want  to  know  any  thing  about  the  poor  people,  but  only 
the  heads. 

This  deponent  further  says,  that  he  never  spoke  to  any  of  the  Beaver's  crew  till 
he  got  on  board  ;  that  his  master's  boat,  in  which  this  deponent  went  on  board  the  ship, 
his  master  went  on  board  and  received  again  ;  that  this  deponent  went  on  board  said 
man-of-war  with  an  intention  not  to  return  again  to  his  master ;  that  he,  this  depo 
nent,  never  was  christened,  and  that  he  should  have  told  Capt.  Linzee  all  he  knew 
relating  to  the,  Gaspee,  immediately  upon  his  going  on  board,  if  they  had  not  put 
him  in  irons. 

The  deponent  further  says,  that  the  morning  after  the  burning  of  the  schooner, 
when  he  returned  to  his  master's,  he  went  to  bed  with  two  black  servants,  with  whom 
he  usually  slept ;  he  lay  there  a  little  while,  and  upon  his  master's  knocking,  he  got 
up,  and  went  to  fetch  the  cows. 

That  when  he  first  returned  to  his  master's  house,  he  got  in  at  a  lower  window-, 
on  the  south-west  part  of  the  house,  which  opens  into  the  middle  room ;  that  during 
the  whole  transaction  on  said  night  the  schooner  was  burnt,  no  man  called  this  de 
ponent  by  his  name,  or  knew  him.  his 

AARON   X  BRIGGS. 
mark. 

Sworn  to,  this  14th  day  of  January,  A.  D.  1773,  at  the  council  chamber,  in  New 
port,  before  us — 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER. 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 


88  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

The  commissioners  issued  a  summons  for  Patrick  Earle,  tb 
appear  before  them,  on  Friday,  the  15th  inst.,  to  give  evi 
dence  of  what  he  knows  respecting  the  burning  of  the  Gas- 
pee,  &c. 

The  commisssioners  received  a  letter  from  Admiral  Mon 
tagu,  acquainting  them  of  his  arrival  at  Newport. 

Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Commissioners,  &c. 

Newport,  Rhode  Island,  ) 
14th  January,  1773.      > 

Gentlemen : — At  your  request  (although  at  a  very  unseasonable  time  of  the  year, 
and  not  in  the  manner  I  am  directed  by  my  instructions  from  my  lords  commission 
ers  of  the  admiralty),  I  am  come  to  this  place,  and  have  hoisted  my  flag  on  board 
the  Lizard. 

I  shall  be  glad,  therefore,  that  you  will  inform  me  what  service  I  can  render  to 
you,  in  the  execution  of  your  commission. 

I  flattered  myself  I  had  given  Captain  Keeler  (the  senior  officer  of  His  Majesty's 
ships  here,)  such  orders  as  would  not  have  required  my  attendance,  until  I  was  able 
to  have  come  in  a  proper  manner,  with  the  ships  under  my  command,  and  at  a 
proper  season  of  the  year.  I  doubt  not  but  that  he  would  have  faithfully  put  his 
orders  in  force,  and  have  given  you  the  same  assistance  I  can  possibly  do,  now  I  am 
come. 

I  have  ordered  Aaron,  the  negro,  to  be   brought  to  the  wharf,  agreeably  to  your 
summons,  who  will  be  delivered  to  your  officer ;  and  I  am  to  desire,  when  you  have 
done  with  him,  the  civil  officers  may  be  directed  to  see  him  safe  to  the  boat  again. 
I  am,  gentlemen, 

Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

J.  MONTAGU. 
To  His  Majesty's  commissioners,  at  Newport. 

The  commissioners  received  from  Admiral  Montagu,  the 
deposition  of  Patrick  Earle,  taken  the  16th  of  July  last,  before 
a  justice  of  the  peace,  in  the  town  of  Newport. 

The  commissioners  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  10 
o'clock. 

Friday,  January  15. 

The  weather  being  extremely  cold  and  violently  stormy*  the 
commissioners  did  not  meet. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE   GASPEE.  89 


Saturday,  January  16. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Frederick  Smythe,  Esq., 
Peter  Oliver,  Esq.  and  Robert  Auchmuty,  Esq. 

Patrick  Earle,  a  mariner,  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship,  the 
Lizard,  pursuant  to  summons,  appeared  before  the  commis 
sioners,  and  was  examined  upon  oath  ;  which  examination 
was  taken  in  writing,  and  ordered  to  be  filed. 

Deposition  of  Patrick  Earlc. 

The  examination  of  Patrick  Earle,  taken  on  oath,  this  16th  of  January,  1773  : 

Patrick  Earle,  of  full  age,  a  mariner,  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship  the  Lizard, 
commanded  by  Capt.  Inglis,  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth  and  saith : 

That  he  was  a  sailor  on  board  the  Gaspee  schooner;  on  the  10th  of  June  last, 
when  she  was  run  aground  on  a  spit  of  land,  that  between  1  and  2  clock,  the  captain 
called  all  hands  on  deck ;  and  this  deponent  coming  up  with  the  rest  of  the  sea 
men,  when  he  saw  a  number  of  armed  men,  with  two  or  three  muskets  and  clubs; 
that  he  saw  those  persons  break  open  the  arm-chest,  and  furnish  themselves  with 
cutlasses. 

Soon  after  this,  this  deponent  was  knocked  down  with  a  club,  and  pitched  into 
the  hold ;  and  in  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  was  called  upon  deck,  where  his  arms 
were  tied  behind  him,  and  shoved  into  a  boat,  which,  with  about  six  others,  was 
laying  alongside  the  schooner  ;  that  as  soon  as  the  deck  was  cleared  of  all  the  officers 
and  sailors  belonging  to  the  Gaspee,  and  put  into  the  boats,  they  were  rowed  to  a 
small  village,  towards  Providence,  about  three  miles  distant  from  the  schooner, 
where  they  wrere  landed. 

This  deponent  further  saith,  that  Lieutenant  Dudingstou  was  placed  in  the  stern 
of  the  same  boat,  in  which  he,  the  deponent,  came  on  shore ;  and  that  he,  in  their 
passage  to  the  shore,  contrived  to  unloose  his  arms,  and  took  an  oar  from  a  negro 
man,  at  the  bow  of  the  boat,  whom  he  verily  believes  to  be  the  negro  Aaron,  now 
on  board  the  Lizard,  and  helped  him  to  row  the  boat ;  and  that,  to  the  best  of  his 
belief,  it  was  about  3  or  4  o'clock  in  the  morning,  when  he,  with  the  captain  and  the 
others,  were  landed. 

This  deponent  also  saith,  that  he  well  remembers,  that  while  the  persons  were  at 
tacking  the  sailors  on  board  the  schooner,  he  heard  the  name  of  Potter  mentioned. 

That  one  of  the  people  said,  "  Potter,  it  is  the  best  way  to  set  the  men  on  shore  ; 
for  that  it  was  not  their  fault,  but  the  officers." 

To  which,  a  person,  then  standing  on  the  quarter-deck,  to  whom  the  above  ex 
pression  was  directed,  who  was  a  tall,  slim  man,  with  a  long,  sharp  nose,  in  light 
colored  long  clothes,  his  hair  tied  behind,  who  looked  more  like  a  shoreman,  than  a 
seaman,  answered,  "  Let  it  be  so." 

He  also  saith,  that  after  he  was  landed,  he  saw  the  boats  return  towards  the 

12 


90  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 

schooner  ;  and  in  about   half  an  hour  after,  he  saw  the  schooner  on  fire,  and  the 
guns  blowing  off;  that  it  was  cloudy  and  calm  weather. 

And  this  deponent  further  saith,  that  on  the  morning  after  the  negro  Aaron  came 
on  board  the  Beaver,  at  8  o'clock,  he  saw  him  in  irons,  in  the  galley,  and  immedi 
ately  recollected  him  as  the  same  person  whom  he  assisted  to  row  the  boat  as  above 
mentioned  ;  but  did  not  speak  to  him,  but  directly  told  one  John  Johnson,  the  boat 
swain  of  the  schooner,  that  he  well  knew  the  negro  was  one  of  the  persons  who 
rowed  the  boat  on  shore  with  him. 

That  on  the  next  day,  Capt.  Linzee,  commander  of  the  Beaver,  gave  directions 
/  to  his  boatswain  to  get  some  spun-yarn,  to  tie  up  the  negro,  and  give  him  two  or 
three  dozen,  to  find  out  what  he  came  ou  board  for,  or  if  he  knew  any  thing  con 
cerning  the  burning  the  schooner ;  that  he  was  stripped  in  order  to  be  punished ; 
upon  which,  the  boatswain  of  the  Gaspee  then  called  out,  "  One  of  the  men  knew 
him  to  be  one  of  the  persons  who  rowed  the  captain  on  shore,  and  was  concerned  in 
burning  the  schooner." 

Upon  which,  the  captain  asked  which  of  the  men  knew  him ;  that  he  called  out 
to  this  deponent,  and  asked  him  if  he  knew  any  thing  of  the  negro,  and  cautioned 
him  to  be  careful  in  his  answers. 

That  the  negro  was  then  ordered  in  irons  again,  and  the  deponent  called  into  the 
cabin  and  ordered  by  the  captain  to  describe  the  negro's  dress  when  on  board  the 
boat,  which  he  did,  to  wit : 

A  spotted  or  checked  handkerchief  round  his  head,  a  frock,  a  pair  of  long  trow- 
sers,  no  shoes,  and  his  hair  tied  behind  not  longer  than  an  inch,  or  an  inch  and  a 
half. 

Soon  after,  the  captain  sent  for  a  justice  from  the  town  ;  which  justice  swore  him, 
and  he  confirmed  the  above  account  he  had  given  under  oath,  relative  to  the  negro. 

The  deponent  first  saw  the  schooner  on  fire  about  breakfast  time,  which  was  about 
G  o'clock,  when  he  was  ashore,  when  he  heard  the  guns  of  the  schooner  blow  off,  but 
did  not  see  her  from  the  time  he  first  left  her,  till  he  saw  her  on  fire. 

He  sat  alongside  of  the  negro  in  the  boat,  from  the  time  the  boat  put  off 
from  the  schooner,  until  she  struck  the  shore  where  he  landed ;  and  that 
while  rowing  ashore  he  was  cold,  and  asked  the  negro  to'  let  him  row  to  warm 
himself,  which  he  did ;  and  as  they  sat  together,  asked  him,  the  negro,  for  a  chew 
of  tobacco,  which  he  gave  him. 

And  this  deponent  further  saith,  that  he  never  saw  the  said  negro,  before  he  saw 
him  in  the  boat.  his 

PATRICK  X    EARLE. 
mark. 

Sworn  to,  at  Newport,  on  the  IGth  day  of  January,  A.  D.  1773,  before — 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER. 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  91 

A  letter  was  delivered  to  the  commissioners,  by  the  ad 
miral's  clerk,  at  about  half  past  11  o'clock,  from  Admiral 
Montagu,  which  was  ordered  to  be  filed. 

Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Commissioners,  &c. 

His  Majesty's  ship  Lizard.  Newport,  harbor,  ) 
16 tli  January,  1773.  £ 

Gentlemen : — As  I  am  informed  there  is  a  ship  bound  to  England,  I  shall  em 
brace  the  opportunity  of  writing  to  my  lords  commissioners  of  the  admiralty,  ac 
quainting  them  of  my  proceedings  ;  as  also  of  the  improbability  of  my  remaining 
here,  to  assist  the  commissioners,  until  I  can  come  in  a  proper  manner,  and  at  a 
proper  season  of  the  year. 

I  shall  be  glad  if  you  will  inform  me,  whether  you  think  the  presence  of  Captain 
Dudingston  is  necessary,  that  I  may  apply  to  their  lordships  for  his  being  sent  out 
as  soon  as  convenient. 

As  the  business  of  the  naval  department  is  totally  at  a  stand,  and  cannot  be  car 
ried  on,  without  I  have  my  ships  here.  I  propose  returning  to  Boston  on  Wednesday 
next,  and  shall,  at  a  convenient  time  of  the  year  repair  to  this  place  again,  agreea 
bly  to  my  instructions  from  their  lordships. 

In  the  meantime,  I  shall  take  care  to  leave  such  orders  with  the  senior  officer  of 
His  Majesty's  ships,  as  will  answer  every  purpose  of  my  staying. 

I  shall,  before  I  go.  lay  before  you,  the  names  of  some  persons  Avho  can  give  you 
information,  relative  to  the  assembling  of  the  people  concerned  in  burning  the 
King's  schooner. 

I  must  beg  your  answer,  as  I  cannot  close  my  letter  to  the  admiralty  until  I  re- 
cei\e  it.  I  am,  gentlemen, 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

J.  MONTAGU. 

To  His  Majesty's  commissioners,  assembled  at  Newport. 

John  Andrew.  Esq.,  judge  of  the  court  of  vice  admiralty,  within  the  colony  of 
Rhode  Island ;  Mr.  Arthur  Fenner,  clerk  in  the  supreme  court,  in  the  county  of 
Providence ;  Messrs.  John  Cole,  George  Brown  and  Daniel  Hitchcock,  attor 
neys  at  law,  in  the  town  of  Providence ;  James  Sabin,  vintner,  in  the  town  of 
Pro\  idence. 

It  is  the  desire  of  Admiral  Montagu,  that  the  above  named  persons  may  be  sum 
moned,  and  examined  before  the  commissioners,  relative  to  the  assembling  of  peo 
ple  in  the  town  of  Providence,  in  the  evening  of  the  9th  of  June  last,  as  a  measure 
necessary,  towards  the  discovery  of  the  persons  concerned  in  the  burning  of  His 
Majesty's  schooner,  the  Gaspee.  J.  MONTAGU. 


92  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

The  commissioners  immediately  agreed  to  an  answer,  as 
well  to  this  letter,  as  to  the  letter  received  from  the  admiral, 
on  the  14th  inst.,  in  the  following  words  : 


The  Commissioners,  $-c.,  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Council  Chamber,  Newport,  -» 
January  Hi,  1773.  \ 

Sir  : — Yours,  of  the  14th  instant,  we  should  have  answered  yesterday,  but  the 
weather  was  so  extremely  bad,  as  to  prevent  the  commissioners  from  meeting. 

You  remark  to  us  your  coming  here  at  a  very  unseasonable  time,  and  not  in  the 
manner  as  you  are  directed  by  your  instructions  ;  to  which,  you  are  sensible  we 
are  not  utter  strangers,  nor  was  it  our  intention  in  writing  to  you,  to  infringe  in  the 
least,  upon  the  same. 

As  we  have  already  informed  you  how  our  instructions  are  worded,  we  omit  a  re 
petition  of  the  same ;  but  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  the  last  paragraph  in  the  com 
mission,  by  which  you  Avill  perceive  that  we  are  expressly  charged  to  conduct  our 
selves  by  such  instructions  as  we  should  receive  under  the  signet  and  sign  manual, 
and  agreeably  to  which,  we  have  acted. 

We  have,  no  doubt  but  that  Capt.  Keeler  would  have  punctually  obeyed  your  or 
ders.  The  difficulty  did  not  arise  on  that  head,  but  from  a  conviction  of  the  irregu 
larity  of  departing  from  our  instructions. 

We  shall  be  much  obliged  to  you,  when  convenient,  if  you  would  attend  us  as  a 
board,  having  some  questions  to  ask  you,  relative   to  the  information  Lieutenant 
Dudingston  gave  you,  concerning  the  burning  and  destroying  the  Gaspee. 
We  are,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

Your  most  humble  and  obedient  servants, 
J.  WANTON,  FIIED.  SMYTIIE, 

DAN.  IIORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER. 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners. 

To  the  Honorable  Admiral  Montagu,  commander  in  chief 
of  His  Majesty's  ships,  &c.,  in  North  America. 

The  Commissioners,  $-c.,  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Council  Chamber,  Newport,  -» 
January  16,  1773.        { 

Sir : — After  repeatedly  informing  you  of  our  instructions  ;  and  also  in  our  last,  of 
a  certain  paragraph  in  our  commission,  copies  of  both  which  you  have,  and  our. 
sense  of  the  same,  we  submit  the  construction  of  your  orders  from  the  lords  commis 
sioners  of  the  admiralty,  entirely  to  you. 

In  our  last,  and  before  AVC  received  yours  of  this  day,  we  had  desired  your  at 
tendance,  in  order  to  give  us  an  account  of  what  Lieutenant  Dudingston  had  related 
to  you,  concerning  the  burning  and  destroying  the  Gaspee. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  93 

We  shall  be  always  ready  to  receive  any  information  from  you,  relative  to  the 
business  we  are  met  on ;  and  are,  sir. 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servants, 
J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER. 

ROBT.  AUCMUTY, 

Commissioners. 

To  the  Honorable  Admiral  Montagu,  commander  in  chief 
of  His  Majesty's  ships  in  North  America. 

Which  letters  were  delivered  to  J.  Brenton,  Esq.,  one  of  the 
secretaries,  who  attended  the  admiral  with  them,  and  delivered 
them  to  the  admiral's  secretary,  the  admiral  being  abroad  ; 
with  the  following  message  from  the  commissioners,  that  they 
were  now  sitting,  and  would  be  glad  to  see  the  admiral  at  the 
board  at  any  time  this  day  before  2  o'clock,  in  the  afternoon  ; 
or  on  Monday  or  Tuesday  next,  if  convenient  to  him. 

At  2  o'clock,  a  message  was  received  by  the  commissioners, 
from  Admiral  Montagu,  acquainting  them  he  would  wait  on 
them  on  Monday  morning  next. 

[While  the  commissioners  were  in  session,  other  officers  of 
the  colony  were,  by  force  of  circumstances,  impelled  to  take 
certain  evidence,  and  hold  certain  correspondence,  which,  as 
the  papers  containing  them,  were  before  the  commissioners, 
are  here  inserted.] 

Deposition  of  Rufus  Greene,  Jr. 

I,  Rufus  Greene,  Jr.,  of  East  Greenwich,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  mariner, 
depose  and  say : 

That  some  time  in  February  last,  I  was  on  board  of,  and  commanded  the  sloop 
Fortune,  lying  at  anchor  in  the  Narragansett  Bay,  off  North  Kingstown  ;  having  a 
quantity  of  rum  on  board,  belonging  to  Nathaniel  Greene  &  Co.,  when  one  Dundas, 
an  ofiieer  of  the  schooner  Gaspee,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Dudingston, 
came  on  board,  and  asked  this  deponent  if  he  would  take  any  freight  on  board. 

To  which,  this  deponent  answered  no. 

He  then  ordered  this  deponent  to  unlay  the  hatches  ;  and  this  deponent  telling 
the  said  Dundas  that  said  hatches  were  unlaid,  he  then  ordered  him  into  the  cabin. 

And  being  demanded  by  what  authority  he  thus  did,  replied : 

11  If  you  do  not  go  into  the  cabin,  I'll  let  you  know,"  drawing  his  sword.  He  then 
caught  this  deponent  by  the  collar,  and  pushed  him  into  the  cabin. 

This  deponent  then  came  out  of  said  cabin,  and  went  forward,  to  prevent  the  an 
chor's  beins  weighed. 


94  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPER. 

He  then  clenched  upon  this  deponent  again,  thrust  him  into  the  cabin,  jammed 
the  companion  leaf  upon  his  head,  knocked  him  down  upon  a  chest  in  said  cabin, 
and  confined  him  there  for  a  considerable  time. 

After  this,  the  deponent  entreating  the  said  Dundas  to  let  him  free,  he  did  so 
and  made  a  seizure  of  said  vessel  and  cargo  (as  he  said),  and  put  the  letter  ;-K" 
upon  her  hatches ;  then  towed  said  sloop  to  said  schooner  (it  being  calm),  with 
three  boats. 

This  deponent  being  commanded  aboard  the  schooner,  aforesaid,  obeyed  ;  went 
before  said  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  and  after  some  conversation,  was  ordered  from 
his  presence,  and  confined  in  the  gangway. 

This  deponent  asked  said  Dudingston,  if  he  had  a  commission  to  seize,  &c. 

To  Avhich,  said  Dudingston  answered,  that  he  had  a  good  commission  from  His 
Majesty ;  but  showed  none. 

The  next  day,  this  deponent  was  put  on  board  another  vessel ;  and  further  saith 
not.  RUFUS  GREENE,  JR. 

Kent,  ss.  East  Greenwich.  January  14,  1773. 

Personally  appeared  the  above  deponent.  Rufus  Greene,  Jr.  ;  and  being  cautioned 
to  speak  the  truth,  made  solemn  oath  upon  the  evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  that 
the  before  going  narrative  is  true  in  all  its  parts. 

Coram,  HOPKINS  COOKE, 

Justice  Peace. 

I  do  hereby  certify,  that  the  above  deponent  is  of  a  respectable  family,  sober  life, 
and  ought  to  be  credited.  II.  COOKE, 

Justice  Peace. 


Deputy   Governor    Sessions   to   Governor    Wanton,    relative    to 
Capt.  William  Thayer,  and  Saul  Ramsdale. 

Providence,  January  15,  1773. 

Sr  : — This  forenoon  came  to  my  house,  Capt.  William  Thayer,  of  Mendon,  and 
informed  me  that  he  had  been  cited  by  the  honorable  commissioners  at  Newport, 
to  appear  before  them  this  day,  and  declare  what  he  knew  relative  to  the  destruc 
tion  of  the  Gaspee. 

He  tells  me  he  is  near  seventy  years  of  age,  grievously  afflicted  with  the  rheuma 
tism,  attended  with  many  symptoms  of:  a  paralysis ;  and  that  riding  yesterday  in  the 
cold,  stormy  weather,  has  revived  and  so  much  increased  his  disorder,  that  he  was 
unable  to  proceed  to  Newport,  but  must  endeavor  to  return  home  as  soon  as  possi 
ble  ;  besides,  he  declared  he  knew  nothing  of  the  affair  for  which  he  was  sum 
moned  and  solicited  me.  very  much  to  take  his  examination,  and  transmit  it  to  the 
commissioners. 

I  at  last  yielded  to  his  request,  and  have  enclosed  to  Your  Honors  his  deposition 
which,  if  you  think  proper,  may  be  laid  before  the  commissioners. 

I  have  known  Mr.  Thayer  for  many  years  past,  and  have  ahvays  understood  that 
he  was  a  man  of  good  character.  He  says,  if  the  gentlemen  who  cited  him,  had 
any  idea  of  the  villainy  of  the  fellows  who  informed  them,  neither  he,  nor  any  one 
else,  he  believes,  had  been  troubled  by  them. 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  95 

And  this  evening,  another  person  (one  Ramsdale)  came  to  me,  who  said  he  also 
was  summoned  to  Newport,  upon  some  occasion,  and  that  he  knew  nothing  respect 
ing  the  matter  for  which  he  was  cited  ;  and  urged  me  very  much  to  take  his  depo 
sition  to  that  purpose,  that  he  might  be  dismissed  ;  but  as  he  appeared  to  be  a 
young,  healthy  man,  and  lest  the  commissioners  might  conceive  I  was  too  officious, 
in  previously  examining  their  witnesses,  I  advised  him  to  deliver  what  he  had  to 
say,  to  the  commissioners. 

I  am,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect,  \ 

Your  Honor's  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

DARIUS  SESSIONS. 
To  Governor  Wanton. 

P.  S.  Since  I  wrote  the  above,  I  received  a  deposition  from  Greenwich,  which 
I  have  also  enclosed  to  Your  Honors. 


Deposition  of  Capt.  William  Thayer,  of  Mendon. 

COLONY  OF  RHODE  ISLAND.  &c. : 

The  examination  of  Capt.  William  Thayer,  of  Mendon,  in  the  county  of  Worces 
ter,  in  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  innholder,  taken  in  Providence,  in  the 
colony  aforesaid,  this  15th  day  of  January,  in  the  thirteenth  year  of  His  Majesty's 
reign.  Anno  Domini  177:3,  by  Darius  Sessions,  Deputy  Governor  of  said  colony. 

Question — Do  you  know  any  circumstances  relative  to  the  attacking,  taking, 
plundering  and  burning  His  Majesty's  schooner,  called  the  Gaspee,  and  to  the  as 
sembling,  arming,  training,  and  leading  on  the  people  concerned  therein;  and  to 
the  concerting  and  preparing  said  attack '? 

Answer — Xo. 

Q. — Where  was  you,  when  said  schooner  was  destroyed,  which  was  on  the  10th 
day  of  June  last  ? 

A. — At  home,  in  Mendon. 

Q. — How  far  is  that  from  Providence  ? 

A. — About  twenty-two  miles. 

Q- — How  long  a  time  after  the  schooner  was  destroyed,  before  you  was  in 
Providence  ? 

A. — I  was  not  there  until  the  latter  end  of  June,  or  the  beginning  of  July. 

Q- — Did  you  hear  any  person  say,  when  you  was  in  Providence,  or  at  any  other 
time  or  place,  that  they  knew  any  of  those  persons  that  were  concerned  in  that 
affair  ? 

A.— Xo. 

Q- — Did  you  ever  hear  the  names  of  any  persons  suspected  to  be  concerned  in 
that  matter  ? 

A. — I  heard  the  names  of  one  Potter  and  Brown  or  Browns,  but  did  not  know 
them,  nor  where  they  lived.  I  don't  recollect  any  other. 

Q- — Do  you  remember  who  mentioned  those  names  ? 

A. — Xo ;  it  being  only  some  rumor  which  I  heard  among  the  people  in  my  house, 
it  being  a  public  one.  WILLIAM  THAYER. 


96 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OP   THE    GASPEE. 


On  the  day  and  year  abovesaid,  William  Thayer,  the  subscriber  to  the  above  ex 
amination,  made  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of  the  several  answers  annexed  to  the 
foregoing  interrogations,  before—  DARIUS  SESSIONS, 

Deputy  Governor. 

Deposition  of  Daniel  Vaughan. 

I,  Daniel  Vaughan,  of  Newport,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  being  of  lawful 
age,  do  depose  and  say  : 

That  some  time  in  the  summer  last  past,  being  in  a  sloop,  taking  out  some  old 
iron  from  the  wreck  of  the  Gaspee,  and  afterwards  going  down  to  Newport,  in  said 
sloop,  in  company  Avith  Capt.  Linzee,  in  His  Majesty's  ship,  the  Beaver,  one  morn 
ing,  not  far  from  the  island  of  Prudence,  I  saw  a  small  boat  alongside  the  Beaver, 
and  immediately  told  the  people  on  board  the  sloop,  that  somebody  had  gone  on 
board  the  Beaver  that  night. 

A  few  days  afterwards,  as  the  Beaver  lay  at  Newport,  near  the  fort,  I  was  or 
dered  to  haul  the  sloop  I  was  in,  alongside  the  schooner,  which  then  lay  alongside 
the  Beaver,  in  order  to  take  out  some  sugar ;  and  going  on  board  the  Beaver,  I  saw 
a  mulatto  fellow  under  the  forecastle,  in  irons. 

I  said  unto  him,  "  So  you  are  one  of  the  rogues  that  have  been  burning  the 
Gaspee." 

He  replied,  "  He  never  saw  her,  nor  knew  any  thing  about  her." 

I  then  asked  him  what  he  came  there  for. 

He  answered,  "  His  master  had  used  him  badly,  and  lie  was  determined  to  leave 
him." 

Two  or  three  days  afterwards,  being  on  board  said  schooner,  I  heard  Capt. 
Linzee  order  said  mulatto  to  be  carried  out  of  the  Beaver,  on  board  said  schooner, 
and  then  to  be  tied  up  to  the  mast  and  whipped ;  and  after  he  was  laid  hold  on, 
and  they  were  about  to  tie  him  up  to  the  mast,  he  began  to  declare  he  knew  some 
of  the  people  that  burnt  the  Gaspee ;  and  that  Simeon  Potter,  John  Brown  and 
others  (whose  names  I  have  forgotten),  were  concerned  therein. 

Upon  this  confession,  he  was  released  from  a  whipping,  sent  on  board  the  Beaver, 
where  I  afterwards  saw  him  in  irons,  on  the  quarter  deck. 

DANIEL  VAUGHAN. 

Providence  sc.  Providence,  January  16,  1773. 

Daniel  Vaughan  appeared  in  person,  and  made  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of  the 
foregoing  declaration,  unto  which  he  has  subscribed,  before — 

DARIUS  SESSINONS, 

Deputy  Governor. 

The  commissioners  then  adjourned  the  business  of  the  com 
mission  to  Monday  morning,  at  10  o'clock. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  97 

Monday,  January  18. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Daniel  Horsmanden,  Esq., 
Frederick  Smythe,  Esq.,  Peter  Oliver,  Esq.,  and  Robert  Auch- 
rnuty,  Esq. 

The  Hon.  Admiral  Montagu  waited  upon  the  commissioners, 
agreeably  to  his  message  of  Saturday  last. 

The  admiral  laid  before  the  commissioners,  letters  which  he 
had  received  from  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  during  his  resi 
dence  at  Pawtuxet  and  Newport,  after  the  destroying  of  the 
schooner  Gaspee. 

The  admiral  also  delivered  to  the  commissioners,  a  list  of 
persons  who  reside  in  Providence,  as  material  witnesses,  rela 
tive  to  the  assembling  of  the  people,  prior  to  the  attacking  the 
Gaspee  ;  in  consequence  of  which,  they  ordered  a  summons  to 
be  issued  for  John  Andrews,  Esq.,  John  Cole,  Esq.,  Daniel 
Hitchcock,  Esq.  and  George  Brown,  attorneys  at  law,  and 
Arthur  Fenner  and  James  Sabin,  to  attend  on  Wednesday 
next,  at  11  o'clock,  which  was  issued  accordingly. 

The  summonses  were  delivered  to  Samuel  Clarke,  who  was 
sent  as  express,  by  the  commissioners,  at  twenty  minutes  after 
3  o'clock. 

Deputy  Governor  Sessions  to  Governor  Wanton,  relative  to 
Barzillai  Richmond)  Joseph  Brown,  John  Brown  and  Daniel 
Vaughan. 

Providence,  January  18,  1773. 

Sir : — In  consequence  of  an  application  made  unto  me,  in  writing,  signed  by  Bar 
zillai  Richmond,  Joseph  Brown  and  John  Brown,  I  summoned  Daniel  Vaughan, 
and  took  his  deposition  relative  to  what  he  knew  respecting  the  treatment  of  the 
mulatto  Aaron,  on  board  the  Beaver,  and  I  herewith  enclose  it  to  Your  Honor. 

T  had  not  done  it,  but  our  river  is  fast  shut  up,  and  it  is  very  uncertain  when  Mr. 
Vaughan  will  reach  Newport. 

I  choose  Mr.  Vaughan  should  give  his  deposition  before  the  commissioners,  if  he 
arrives  in  season  for  that  purpose  ;  but  if  he  doth  not,  and  you  think  proper  to  make 
use  of  what  I  now  send,  you  have  liberty  to  improve  it  in  any  way  you  think  it  may 
promote  truth  and  justice. 

I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant,  DARIUS   SESSIONS. 

To  Governor  Wanton. 

13 


98  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

Deputy  Governor  Sessions  to  Governor  Wanton,  relative  to  the 
Deposition  of  the  Negro  Aaron  Briyys,  £c. 

Providence,  January  18th,  1773. 

Sir : — Having  been  informed  by  a  person,  who  came  from  Newport  last  Satur 
day,  that  the  mulatto  had  been  examined,  and  that  a  report  prevailed,  that  his 
evidence  carried  many  marks  of  truth  with  it ;  and  as  it  is  impossible  (as  I  think,) 
that  there  can  be  a  word  of  truth  in  it,  and  as  I  look  upon  it  as  my  duty  to  protect 
the  innocent,  as  well  as  punish  the  guilty,  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  let  Your  Honor 
know  of  some  circumstances  that  may  throw  some  light  on  this  affair. 

I  took  notice  in  the  mulatto's  declaration  of  his  having  a  red  and  white  handker 
chief  about  his  head  at  the  time  he  was  on  board  the  Gaspee,  and  when  he  rowed 
the  boat  ashore. 

I  suppose  he  was  told  to  relate  this  circumstance,  that  some  of  the  Gaspee's  peo 
ple  might,  with  the  greater  appearance  of  truth,  swear  to  his  being  on  boar.1  the 
schooner  that  night. 

The  day  after  the  Gaspee  was  destroyed,  I  examined  several  of  her  people,  viz. : 
Bartholomew  Cheever,  John  Johnson,  William  J.  Caple,  Joseph  Bowman,  Patrick 
Whaler,  Patrick  Earle  and  Patrick  Reynolds ;  who,  although  the  questions  and 
answers  were  not  set  down  in  writing,  yet  I  can  depose  that  they  were  put  ver 
bally.  The  answers  given  by  some  of  them  (the  rest  agreeing  thereto),  are  as  fol 
lows,  viz. : 

Question — Was  the  moon  down  ? 

Answer — Yes. 

Q. — Was  it  dark  ? 

A.— Yes. 

Q. — Was  there  any  light  on  board  of  the  schooner,  when  she  was  boarded  by  the 
boats  ? 

A. — Yes  ;  but  it  was  immediately  put  out  before  we  got  on  deck. 

Q. — Was  there  no  other  light  afterwards  struck  up  ? 

A. — Not  that  they  saw  ;  though  they  believe  there  was  one  lighted  up  in  the 
cabin,  to  dress  the  lieutenant's  wounds. 

Q. — Were  the  people  who  came  on  board  unmasked,  or  in  disguise  ?  • 

A. — Some  of  them  were  either  blacked  or  negroes ;  but  it  was  so  dark,  we  could 
not  tell  which. 

The  above  questions  put  to  any  of  the  Gaspee's  people,  who  pretend  to  establish 
the  negro's  evidence,  by  swearing  to  the  identity  of  him,  I  think,  must  convince  any 
one,  that  their  testimony  is  absolutely  false. 

The  midshipman  at  Boston,  swore  that  it  was  a  very  dark  night ;  and  how  is  it 
possible  that  the  features  and  dress  of  a  negro  could  be  sworn  to,  a  month 
afterwards  '? 

I  am  requested  by  some  persons  in  this  town,  to  inform  Your  Honor,  that  one 
David  James,  a  young  man,  who  served  his  time  in  this  town,  and  is  properly  an  in 
habitant  thereof,  was  last  week  impressed  out  of  a  sloop  belonging  here,  Joseph  Til- 
linghast,  master,  and  carried  on  board  the  schooner  Halifax. 

The  young  man  was  born  in ,  in  Virginia,  where  he  had  left  him,  by  his 

father,  some  estate  in  land  ;  which,  by  several  letters  of  a  late  date  from  his  brother* 
and  his  guardian,  appears  to  be  sold,  and  that  the  money  thereof,  will  be  sent  to  him 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEfi. 

very  soon,  by  a  schooner,  that  is  now  gone  there.     I  have  seen  the  letters  myself, 
this  day,  and  make  no  doubt  but  they  are  genuine. 

If  Your  Honor  will  interpose  so  far  as  to  use  your  endeavors  to  get  him  dis 
charged,  you  will  do  a  singular  favor  to  the  young  man,  and  to  his  acquaintances 
here!    If  he  remains  in  confinement,  there  will  be  nobody  to  take  care  of  his  money 
or  goods  that  may  be  sent  him  from  his  patrimony,  which  will  be  his  total  ruin. 
I  am,  sir.  your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

DARIUS  SESSIONS. 

To  Governor  Wanton. 

The  commissioners  adjourned  till  to-morrow,  at  10  o'clock. 

Tuesday,  January  19. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Daniel  Horsmanden,  Esq., 
Frederick  Sinythe,  Esq.,  Peter  Oliver,  Esq.,  and  Robert  Auch- 
muty,  Esq. 

Peter  May  attended  the  commissioners,  pursuant  to  sum 
mons,  and  was  examined  upon  oath  ;  which  examination  was 
reduced  to  writing,  and  ordered  to  be  filed. 

Deposition  of  Peter  May. 

The  examination  of  Peter  May,  taken  upon  oath,  tlus  19th  day  of  January, 
A.  D.  1773: 

Peter  May,  of  lawful  age,  beine  duly  sworn,  depos^th  and  saith  : 

That  he  was  late  ajnariuer  on  board  His  Majesty's  schooner  Gaspee  ;  and  that 
some  time  last  summer,  as  they  were  going  in  said  schooner,  towards  Providence, 
about  2  or  3  o'clock,  in  the  afternoon,  they  struck  aground,  upon  a  point  of  land, 
about  a  musket  shot  from  the  land  ;  that  she  lay  so  dry,  that  they  walked  around 
her,  and  scraped  her  bottom,  the  water  being  about  one  foot  on  one  side,  and  about 
two  feet  on  the  other. 

That  they  got  an  anchor  out,  and  endeavored  to  get  her  off;  but  after  striving 
till  sunset,  they  desisted  from  any  fbrther  attempts ;  all  but  the  watch,  which  con 
sisted  of  three,  were  ordered  by  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  to  go  to  sleep. 

That  between  12  and  1  o'clock,  the  schooner  was  attacked  by  a  number  of  boats 
with  people  on  board,  armed  some  with  clubs,  some  with  other  weapons. 

That  this  deponent  was  below  at  the  time  the  people  boarded  the  schooner ;  and 
when  he  came  upon  deck,  he  saw  Lieutenant  Dudingston  discharge  a  pistol ;  but 
whether  it  wounded  anybody,  he  cannot  tell ;  immediately  after,  he  saw  a  man  in 
the  bow  of  one  of  the  boats  fire  a  musket,  and  wound  the  lieutenant ;  upon  which, 
the  lieutenant  cried  out,  "  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  me  ;  I  am  done  for  !" 

That  immediately  after  this,  the  deponent  was  knocked  down  the  hatchway,  and 


100  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEEJ. 

recovering  himself,  went  into  the  steerage,  in  order  to  get  some  clothes,  and  from 
thence  stepped  into  the  cabin,  and  there  heard  the  lieutenant  desire  the  people  not 
to  haul  and  pull  him  about,  as  they  did,  but  to  assist  him  ;  on  which,  they  said  they 
had  no  doctors,  but  would  send  him,  as  soon  as  they  could,  to  a  place  where  they 
could  get  one. 

He  soon  after,  when  the  lieutenant  was  on  deck,  heard  several  people  ask  him 
whether  he  would  make  amends  for  the  rum  which  he  had  seized  out  of  the  sloop  ; 
and  if  he  would,  they  would  return  him  the  schooner ;  one  of  which  people,  was 
named  Greene,  whom  he  saw  in  the  cabin  of  the  Gaspee,  the  day  after  they  had 
seized  a  sloop,  of  which  he  appeared  to  be  the  owner,  and  out  of  which,  he  took 
some  rakes. 

This  deponent  saith,  that  the  said  Greene  is  a  tall,  slender  man  ;  wearing  his  own 
hair,  of  a  brown  color. 

This  deponent  further  saith,  that  after  they  had  taken  possession  of  the  Gaspee, 
the  hands  belonging  to  the  Gaspee,  were  put  into  a  boat,  and  rowed  ashore  at  a 
place  about  a  mile  distant,  between  3  and  4  o'clock,  in  the  morning,  and  that  he  saw 
the  schooner  on  fire  when  they  were  about  half  way  to  the  shore,  and  the  fire  began 
upon  the  quarter  deck.  And  further  this  deponent  saith  not.  his 

PETER    X  MAY. 
mark. 

Sworn  to,  at  Newport,  on  the  19th  day  of  January,  A.  D.  1773,  at  the  council 
chamber,  Newport,  before — 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  IIORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER, 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Robert  Masters,  who  was  also  summoned,  appeared,  and 
upon  examination  on  oath,  there  appearing  nothing  material 
in  his  testimony,  he  was  discharged,  without  making  any  depo 
sition.  • 

The  commissioners  received  a  letter  from  Admiral  Montagu, 
which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  be  filed. 

An  answer  was  immediately  ordered  ;  which  was  accord 
ingly  written  in  the  following  words,  and  delivered  to  the  ad 
miral,  by . 

Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Commissioners,  #c. 

Newport,  19th  January,  1773. 

Gentlemen  : — As  an  opportunity  offers,  for  sending  to  England,  I  am  willing  to 
embrace  it,  to  inform  my  lords  commisioners  of  the  admiralty  of  my  arrival  and  pro 
ceedings  at  this  place. 

As  you  were  pleased  to  signify  to  me  your  intention  of  writing  upon  the   subject 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE   GASPEE.  101 

of  adjourning  your  court,  I  shall  be  glad  to  receive  it  as  soon  as  possible,  that  I  may 
close  my  public  letters,  as  I  propose  leaving  this  place  to-morrow  morning. 
I  am,  with  respect,  gentlemen, 

Your  most  obedient,  and  most  humble  servant, 

J.  MONTAGU. 
To  His  Majesty's  commissioners,  &c.,  at  Newport. 


The  Commissioners,  §-c.,  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Council  Chamber,  Newport,  ] 
January  19th,  1773.        £ 

Sir  : — In  our  last  conversation  with  you,  you  were  pleased  to  inform  us  that  by  re 
port,  Capt.  Dudingston  had  made  such  declarations  at  Boston,  relative  to  his  recollec 
tion  of  the  persons  concerned  in  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee,  that  his  testimony  would 
be  very  material  in  our  present  inquiry  ;  and  from  the  language  of  Mr.  Dudingston's 
letter  to  you,  which  you  laid  before  us,  we  must  be  of  the  same  opinion,  as  it  is  our 
determined  resolution  to  do  all  in  our  power  faithfully  to  execute  the  commission 
IIi<  Majesty  has  thought  fit  to  honor  us  with.  We  must  request  of  you  to  take  such 
measures  as  you  think  proper,  to  get  Capt.  Dudingstou  to  America,  in  order  that  he 
may  be  examined. 

lu  the  same  conversation,  you  also  informed  us,  that  at  this  inclement  season  ot 
the  year,  it  was  impossible  for  you  properly  to  execute  your  orders  relative  to  the 
affair  we  are  now  met  on,  and  that  the  other  duties  of  your  department  must  suffer 
if  you  did  not  very  soon  return  to  Boston  ;  and  and  therefore  it  was  your  determi 
nation  to  go  thither  to-morrow,  or  next  day,  if  possible. 

Your  absence  from  us,  you  are  sensible,  as  we  construe  our  instructions,  and  as 
we  yesterday  informed  you,  must  make  an  adjournment  of  this  board  necessary. 
Indeed,  without  this  difficulty,  it  is  highly  probable  we  should  soon  find  ourselves 
under  a  necessity  of  adopting  the  same  measure,  for  the  want  of  Capt.  Dudingston, 
and  from  the  extreme  rigor  of  the  season,  which  renders  it  almost  impossible  to  get 
witnesses  who  are  at  any  distance  from  us. 

We  are,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 
J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER, 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners! 

To  the  Honorable  Admiral  Montagu,  commander  in  chief 
of  His  Majesty's  ships,  &c.,  in  North  America. 

P.  S.  Though  the  time  to  which  the  commissioners  will  adjourn,  is  not  absolutely 
fixed,  yet  it  seems  to  be  their  opinion,  that  it  must  be  on  or  about  the  26th  of  May 
next ;  which,  they  hope,  will  be  agreeable  to  you. 


102  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GA&PEE. 

The  commissioners  also  received  another  letter  from  the  ad 
miral,  enclosing  the  deposition  of  Aaron  Briggs,  taken  the 

—  day  of ,  which  was  ordered  to  be  filed. 

[According  to  the  preceding  journal  of  the  commissioners, 
two  or  three  letters,  which  passed  between  them  and  the  ad 
miral,  are  wanting,  to  complete  the  file  of  their  correspondence. 
During  their  session,  they  examined  several  witnesses,  and 
held  correspondence  with  several  others.] 

Arthur  Fenner  to  Governor  Wanton,  relative  to  the  Gaspee. 

Providence,  January  19,  1773. 

Honorable  Sir  : — I  received  a  citation,  signed  by  you,  and  a  number  of  other  gen 
tlemen,  commanding  ray  attendance  at  the  colony  house,  in  Newport,  on  the  20th 
day  of  January  instant,  to  give  in  evidence  to  what  I  know  relative  to  the  attacking^ 
taking  and  plundering  His  Majesty's  schooner,  called  the  Gaspee,  &c. 

In   consequence  of  which,  I  now  inform  you,  that  I   am  a  man  of  seventy-four 
years  of  age,  and  very  infirm ;  and  at  the  time  said  schooner  was  taken  and  plun 
dered,  I  was  in  my  bed,  and  I  knew  nothing  of  it  until  the  next  day  ;  and  as  for 
ray  not  attending,  as  commanded,  I  must  plead  my  age  and  infirmity  in  excuse. 
From  your  most  obedient  friend  and  humble  servant, 

ARTHUR  FENNER. 
To  the  Honorable  Joseph  Wanton,  Esq. 

James  Sabin  to  the  Commissioners,  fyc. 

Providence,  January  19th,  1773. 

To  the  honorable  the  commissioners  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  circumstances 
relative  to  the  destroying  the  schooner  Gaspee. 

Gentlemen : — I  now  address  you,  on  account  of  a  summons  I  received  from  you, 
requiring  -my  attendance  at  the  council  chamber,  in  Newport,  on  Wednesday,  20th 
instant. 

Now,  gentlemen,  I  beg  leave  to  acquaint  you,  what  renders  me  incapable  of  at 
tending.  In  the  first  place,  I  am  an  insolvent  debtor ;  and  therefore,  my  person 
would  be  subject  to  an  arrest  by  some  one  or  other  of  my  creditors ;  and  my  health 
has  been  on  decline  these  two  months  past,  and  it  would  be  dangerous  should  I 
leave  my  house. 

And  further,  were  I  to  attend,  I  could  give  no  information  relative  to  the  assem 
bling,  arming,  training  and  leading  on  the  people  concerned  in  destroying  the 
schooner  Gaspee. 

On  the  9th  day  of  June  last,  at  night,  I  was  employed  at  my  house,  attending 
company  ;  who  were  John  Andrew,  Esq.,  judge  of  the  court  of  vice  admiralty,  John 
Cole,  Esq.,  Mr.  Hitchcock  and  George  Brown,  who  supped  at  my  house  and  stayed 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    OASPEE.  103 

there  until  two  of  the  clock,  in  the  morning  following ;  and  I  have  not  any  know 
ledge  relative  to  the  matter  on  which  T  am  summoned  ;  which  I  am  ready  to  make 
oath  to,  before  any  justice  of  the  peace. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  most  respectfully, 

Your  most  humble  servant, 

JAMES  SABIN. 
To  the  Honorable  Commissioners. 


The  commissioners  adjourned  till  to-morrow,  at  10  o'clock. 


Wednesday,  January  20. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Daniel  Horsmanden,  Esq., 
Frederick  Smythe,  Esq.,  Peter  Oliver,  Esq.,  Robert  Auch- 
muty,  Esq. 

The  commissioners  directed  copies  of  the  several  letters 
which  have  passed  between  them  and  Admiral  Montagu, 
to  be  made  out,  in  order  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Earl  of 
Dartmouth. 

George  Brown,  to  the  Commissioners,  fyc. 

East  Greenwich,  January  20th,  1773. 

May  it  please  Your  Honors  : — Late  last  night,  I  received  a  summons  from  Provi 
dence,  to  appear  at  the  council  chamber,  in  Newport,  before  Your  Honors,  there  to 
give  evidence  of  what  I  know  concerning  the  burning  of  the  schooner  Gaspee  ;  and 
I  should  have  waited  on  Your  Honors,  accordingly ;  but,  as  the  court  of  common 
pleas  was  then  sitting  in  the  county  of  Kent,  and  being  concerned  in  several  cases 
then  pending  in  said  court,  I  could  not  possibly  attend  according  to  summons  ; 
therefore,  I  hope  you  will  excuse  my  not  attending. 

It  has  long  been  a  custom  for  the  attorneys,  upon  the  concluding  evening  of 
filing  pleas  to  the  court,  to  meet  together,  to  spend  the  evening. 

That  night,  the  said  schooner  was  burnt,  happened  to  be  the  concluding  evening 
of  filing  pleas ;  accordingly,  the  gentlemen  of  the  bar,  together  with  myself,  met 
at  the  house  of  James  Sabin,  in  Providence,  that  being  a  public  house  of  enter 
tainment. 

Some  time  after,  I  being  there,  heard  a  drum  beat ;  I  asked  the  reason  of  said 
drum  beating ;  I  was  answered  by  some  one  of  the  company,  that  there  Avas  a  num 
ber  of  boys  met  together,  they  supposed,  to  divert  themselves. 

I  knowing  it  to  be  no  uncommon  thing,  thought  no  more  about  it ;  and  do  sol 
emnly  declare,  that  I  have  no  knowledge,  directly  or  indirectly,  of  any  plot  being 


104  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 

laid,  or  person  concerned  in  perpetrating  so  A'ile  a  crime,  and  shall  be  ready  at  all 
times,  when  in  my  power,  to  appear  and  answer  any  question  relating  to  said 
affair,  if  required.  I  am,  gentlemen, 

Your  Honors'  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

G.  BROWN. 
To  the  Honorable  Commissioners. 


John  Andrews,  to  the  Commissioners,  fyc. 

Providence,  January  20,  1773. 

Gentlemen : — I  this  day  received  a  summons  at  12  o'clock,  requesting  my  attend 
ance  at  11  o'clock,  this  day,  at  the  court  house,  in  Newport,  in  order  to  give  evi 
dence  before  Your  Honors  to  that  knowledge  I  have,  relating  to  the  burning  and 
destroying  His  Majesty's  schooner,  called  the  Gaspec ;  and  to  the  assembling,  arm 
ing,  training  and  leading  the  people  concerned  therein. 

I  should  have  cheerfully  obeyed  said  summons,  had  my  health  permitted  ;  but  I 
have  been  confined  for  a  week  past,  with  a  swelling  in  my  hand,  which  hath  ren 
dered  me  unable  to  stir  out  of  doors. 

But  as  soon  as  I  am  able,  T  shall  wait  upon  Your  Honors,  and  inform  you  of  all 
I  know,  relating  to  that  matter,  which  Your  Honors  will  judge  just  nothing  at  all 
to  the  purpose. 

I  am,  with  great  regard, 

Your  Honors'  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

JOHN  ANDREWS. 
To  the  Honorable  Commissioners. 

P.  S.  I  have  judged  proper  to  inform  Your  Honors  of  all  particulars  of  know 
ledge  I  have,  relating  to  the  burning  His  Majesty's  schooner,  called  the  Gaspee,  in 
the  Narragansett  River. 

I  was  in  Providence  town  the  evening  before  the  mischief  was  done,  and  in  com 
pany  with  a  number  of  gentlemen  ;  I  heard  a  disturbance  in  the  street,  and  in 
quired  into  the  cause,  and  was  answered  that  it  had  been  a  training  day,  and  they 
were  breaking  up  their  frolic  ;  and  I  heard  nothing  further  that  evening,  relative 
thereto,  but  went  to  bed ;  and  nigh  morning,  was  surprised  with  the  news  of  the 
said  schooner's  being  burned  and  destroyed. 

I  then  waited  upon  the  Deputy  Governor  immediately  ;  and  he,  with  me,  repaired 
to  the  spot,  where  we  found  Mr.  Dudingston  badly  wounded,  and  the  said  schooner 
appeared  at  a  distance  to  be  on  fire,  and  burned  down  to  the  water. 

And  the  Deputy  Governor  inquired  of  Mr.  Dudingston  if  he  had  any  knowledge 
of  any  of  the  trespassers. 

And  he  made  answer,  that  he  should  give  no  account  about  the  matter,  before  he 
was  brought  before  the  court  martial,  where  he  expected  his  trial ;  but  was  willing 
that  his  people  should  declare  all  they  knew  of  the  matter  ;  and  were  sworn  before 
the  Deputy  Governor,  accordingly. 

I Mr.  Dudingston  afterwards,  and  desired  him,  if  he  had  any 

knowledge  of  any  of  the  persons  who  did  the  mischief,  he  would  inform  me  thereof, 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE.  105 

that  they  may  be  brought  to  condign  punishment ;  but  always  declined  saying  any 
thing  at  all. 

And  this  is  the  substance  of  the  knowledge  I  have  of  the  matter ;  which  I  am 
ready  to  swear  to.  JOID?  ANDREWS* 

To  the  Honorable  Commissioners. 


Daniel  Hitchcock  to  the  Commissioners,  $*c. 


East  Greenwich,  January  20,  1773. 

May  it  please  Your  Honors : — Late  last  night,  I  had  a  citation  from  Providence, 
to  appear  before  you,  this  day,  at  11  o'clock,  in  the  forenoon,  to  give  evidence  with 
regard  to  the  burning  the  schooner  Gaspee. 

And  as  I  detest  all  such  open  violations  of  the  law,  should  have  been  willing  to 
have  waited  upon  Your  Honors,  to  let  you  know  every  thing  within  the  compass  of 
my  knowledge  relative  to  that  matter,  had  not  my  engagements  at  Kent  court,  in 
this  place,  absolutely  forbid  my  attendance  ;  and  therefore,  hope  Your  Honors  will 
pardon  me,  on  that  account ;  but  every  thing  I  know,  touching  that  matter,  I  am 
ready  to  relate. 

It  has  been,  may  it  please  Your  Honors,  a  long  custom  in  this  colony,  for  the  attor 
neys  at  the  concluding  of  filing  of  pleas  for  court,  to  meet  some  where  together) 
and  spend  the  evening ;  that  night  the  schooner  was  burnt,  happened  to  be  the  con 
cluding  evening. 

We  met  at  Mr,  Sabins's,  by  ourselves ;  and  about  8  o'clock,  I  went  to  the  dcor, 
or,  finally,  kitchen,  and  saw  a  number  of  people  in  the  street,  but  paid  no  attention 
to  them,  as  that  place  was  a  place  of  public  resort. 

Some  time  after  9  o'clock,  I  heard  a  drum  beat,  and  was  asked  by  somebody  in 
the  room,  what  was  the  occasion  of  the  beating  of  that  drum ;  and  it  was  answered 
by  somebody,  that  it  was  beat  by  some  boys,  which  quieted  all  further  inquiry  by 
me ;  neither  did  I  imagine  that  anything  of  that  nature  was  about  being  perpe 
trated,  till  after  it  was  in  fact  done. 

This,  may  it  please  Your  Honors,  is  every  thing  that  I  know,  or  has  come  to  my 
knowledge,  relative  to  that  transaction,  and  which  I  am  willing,  on  solemn  oath,  to 
state  before  any  of  the  civil  authority  in  Providence  ;  to  which  place,  I  shall  in  a 
day  or  two,  return. 

I  am  Your  Honors's  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

D.  HITCHCOCK. 

To  the  Honorable  Commissioners. 


John  Cole  to  the  Commissioner  s>  &?c. 

East  Greenwich,  January  20th,  1773. 

May  it  please  Your  Honors : — Late  last  evening,  I  received  by  the  way  of  Provi 
dence,  a  citation  to  appear  before  Your  Honors,  at  1 1  o'clock,  this  forenoon,  to  give 
evidence  of  what  I  know  relative  to  the  burning  and  destroying  the  schooner 
Gaspee. 

A  the  court  of  common  pleas  is  now  sitting  here,  and  a  number  of  clients  depend 
ing  upon  my  assistance  in  their  several  cases,  I  hope  Your  Honors  will  dispense  with 

14 


106  THE   DESTRUCTION   Ot1   THE    GASPEE. 

ray  attendance  at  the  council  chamber  at  the  time  appointed.  I  am  disposed  to  give 
Your  Honors  all  the  information  that  has  come  to  my  knowledge  concerning  the 
affair,  which  is  extremely  small. 

The  evening  preceding  the  burning  of  the  Gaspee,  I  spent  at  Mr.  James  Sabins's 
tavern,  in  company  with  several  gentlemen  ;  about  7  or  8  o'clock,  hearing  a  noise  in 
the  street,  I  pulled  back  the  shutters  of  one  of  the  windows  next  the  street,  and  saw 
several  people  collected  together,  but  did  not  know  any  of  them  ;  upon  which,  I 
made  inquiry  of  the  gentlemen  in  the  room  if  they  knew  the  occasion. 

And  was  answered  by  some  of  the  company,  but  by  whom  I  cannot  particularly 
recollect,  that  he  hoped  they  were  not  designed  for  mischief. 

To  which,  I  replied,  I  believed  not ;  if  they  were,  they  would  not  be  so  public. 

Some  time  afterward,  a  drum  was  beating  along  the  street ;  upon  which,  I  again 
opened  the  shutter,  and  saw  three  or  four  boys  with  a  drum,  and  no  other  persons. 

And  this,  may  it  please  Your  Honors,  is  all  I  know,  relative  to  this  affair ;  and 
which  I  am  ready  to  make  oath  to,  before  any  of  the  civil  authority  in  Providence, 
to  which  place  I  shall  return  to-morrow  or  next  day. 
I  am,  with  all  deference, 

Your  Honors's  most  obedient  arid  most  humble  servant, 

JOHN  COLE. 

To  the  Honorable  Commissioners. 


The  commissioners  adjourned  till  to-morrow,  at  10  o'clock. 

Thursday,  January  21. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq  ,  Frederick  Sinythe,  Esq  , 
Peter  Oliver,  Esq.  and  Robert  Auchnmty,  Esq. 

Samuel  Clarke,  who  was  charged  with  the  delivery  of  the 
several  summonses  issued  by  the  commissioners,  on  the  18th 
inst.,  made  return  upon  oath  of  his  service  thereof,  which 
was  ordered  to  be  filed. 

Samuel  Clarke  exhibited  his  account  to  the  commissioners, 
for  performing  two  journeys  for  them  ;  one  to  Mendon,  and 
the  other  to  Providence  ;  which  amounted  to  -  — ,  and  was 
paid  by  the  commissioners. 

The  commissioners  agreed  to  address  the  Earl  of  Dart 
mouth  ;  whereupon,  a  letter  was  drafted  in  the  following 
words : 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  107 


The  Commissioners,  $-c.,  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

Newport,  Rhode  Island, 
January  21,  1 773. 

My  Lord  : — In  obedience  to  His  Majesty's  commands,  signified  to  us,  by  Your 
Lordship's  letter  of  the  14th  of  September  last,  we,  with  the  utmost  dispatch  in  our 
power,  repaired  to  Newport,  where,  on  the  5th  day  of  January  iiist.,  His  Majesty's 
commission,  under  the  great  seal  of  Great  Britain,  was  delivered  to  us  in  the  council 
chamber,  at  Newport,  by  Capt.  Keeler,  commander  of  His  Majesty's  ship,  the  Mercury, 
and  the  commanding  ofiicer  in  the  naval  department  at  this  place  ;  upon  which,  we 
immediately  ordered  the  same  to  be  publicly  read  and  proclaimed ;  which  was  ac 
cordingly  done,  before  a  great  concourse  of  people,  who,  on  the  occasion,  behaved 
with  great  decency. 

This  being  done,  we  proceeded,  with  all  the  dispatch  in  our  power,  to  business ;  and 
found  in  the  last  clause  in  our  commission,  that  in  the  execution  and  performance 
of  the  power  and  authority  thereby  given  us,  we  are  strictly  charged  and  com 
manded  carefully  to  observe  and  conform  ourselves  to  such  instructions  as  we  should 
receive  in  writing,  under  the  King's  sign  manual. 

Whereupon,  we  applied  ourselves  to  the  careful  examination  of  those  instructions ; 
in  one  of  which,  are  the  words,  "  To  the  end  that  they  may  accordingly  be  arrested 
and  delivered  to  the  custody  of  the  commander  in  chief  of  our  ships  and  vessels  in 
North  America,  pursuant  to  such  directions  as  we  have  thought  fit  to  give  for  that 
purpose." 

Being  convinced  that  the  above  charge  given  us  by  His  Majesty,  in  our  commis 
sion,  referring  to  the  instructions  under  the  sign  manual,  could  not  be  dispensed 
with,  we  wrote  to  Rear  Admiral  Montagu,  that  we  were  fully  of  opinion  that  his 
attendance  at  Newport  was  necessary,  in  order  if  there  should  appear  evidence 
against  any  person  sufficient  to  arrest  him  upon,  he  must  be  delivered  to  the  ad 
miral,  according  to  our  instructions,  from  which  we  could  not  depart,  notwithstand 
ing  Your  Lordship's  letter  of  the  4th  of  September  last,  to  Governor  Wanton, 
wherein  you  inform  him  that  "  such  offenders  as  may  have  been,  or  shall  be  arrested 
and  committed  within  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  be  delivered  to  the  care  and  cus 
tody  of  Rear  Admiral  Montagu,  or  the  commander  in  chief  of  His  Majesty's  ships  in 
North  America,  for  the  time  being,  or  to  such  ofiicer  as  he  shall  appoint  to  receive 
them." 

We  here  beg  leave  to  assure  Your  Lordship,  that  we  had  not  the  least  inclination 
to  deviate  from  Your  Lordship's  letter,  had  we  not  been  fully  convinced  that  the 
express  words  of  our  commission,  obliged  us  to  do  it. 

Several  letters  passed  between  us  and  the  admiral,  on  this  subject ;  wherein  we 
explained  to  him  the  necessity,  according  to  our  commission  and  instructions,  of  his 
being  here  in  person. 

Though  we  did  not  agree  on  this  head,  he  thinking  that,  according  to  his  instruc 
tions  and  Your  Lordship's  last  mentioned  letter,  his  presence  was  not  at  all  neces 
sary  ;  yet  he  was  polite  enough  to  come  to  Newport  on  the  14th  day  of  the  month ; 
and  meeting  us  at  the  council  chamber  on  the  18th  inst,  he  informed  us  that  he 
believed  from  the  information  he  had  received  from  others,  Capt.  Dudingston  would 
be  able  to  make  such  declaration  relative  to  the  business  we  are  on,  as  wouVl  prove 
very  material ;  and  at  this  inclement  season  of  the  year,  it  was  impossible  for  hira 


108          THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

« 

properly  to  execute  his  orders  from  the  lords  commissioners  of  the  admiralty,  rela 
tive  to  the  business  we  are  now  upon  ;  also,  that  the  other  duties  of  his  department, 
at  this  time,  absolutely  required  his  attendance  at  Boston,  and  therefore,  in  a  very 
days  he  must  return. 

Taking  all  these  matters  into  consideration,  and  the  extreme  rigor  of  the  season, 
which  renders  it  almost  impossible  to  procure  witnessess  who  are  at  any  distance 
from  us,  without  waiting  a  very  unreasonable  time  for  them,  we  thought  an  ad 
journment  to  May  next,  necessary  for  His  Majesty's  service  ;  and  accordingly  no 
tified  Admiral  Montagu  that  we  should  adjourn  to  on  or  about  the  2Cth  of  that 
month,  when  he  will  undoubtedly  be  here. 

Copies  of  the  letters  passing  between  the  admiral  and  us,  on  these  subjects,  are 
herewith  transmitted  to  Your  Lordship. 

We  have  proceeded  to  examine  such  witnesses  as  we  could  obtain ;  and  also  care 
fully  to  look  into  all  papers  which  Governor  Wanton  has  laid  before  us,  relative  to 
the  conduct  of  the  magistrates  of  this  government,  in  the  business  we  are  upon  ;  but 
find  it  totally  impossible  at  present  to  make  a  report,  not  having  all  the  evidence 
we  have  reason  to  expect.  We  therefore  hope,  tor  these  reasons,  that  our  omitting 
it,  will  not  be  disagreeable. 

In  short,  we  have  hitherto,  My  Lord,  exerted  ourselves  to  our  utmost  abilities  in 
the  execution  of  our  trust,  His  Majesty  has  been  pleased  to  honor  us   with  ;  and 
Your  Lordship  may  rely  on  our  future  endeavors  to  discharge   ourselves  with  that 
fidelity  which  the  nature  of  so  important  a  commission  demands. 
We  are,  with  the  utmost  respect,  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servants, 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER. 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

To  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Governor  of  the  colony,  made  oath  of 
what  he  knew  respecting  the  Gaspee,  &c. 

Deposition  of  Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Governor  of  the  English  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  on  oath 
declares  and  says : 

That  at  an  interview  he  had  with  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  late  of  the  schooner 
Gaspee,  he  asked  him  whether  he  had  any  authority  from  the  commissioners  at  Bos 
ton,  or  from  Admiral  Montagu. 

To  which,  he  replied,  he  had  not ;  but  received  his  authority  from  the  lords 
of  the  admiralty ;  and  that  he  was  come  into  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island  by  virtue 
of  that  power,  and  no  other,  whatever. 

The  deponent  then  asked  how  long  it  was  probable  he  should  continue  in  the 
colony. 

To  which,  he  answered,  at  present  he  was  in  the  colony ;  but  how  long  he  should 
continue,  was  uncertain. 

And  this  deponent  saith,  that  he  does  not  remember  that  he  hath  since  that  time, 
seen  the  said  Lieutenant  Dudingston. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE.  109 

On,  or  about  the  20th  of  March  last,  a  complaint  was  transmitted  to  the  depo 
nent,  by  the  Deputy  Governor  of  the  colony,  signed  by  sundry  persons,  residing  in 
and  near  the  town  of  Providence,  that  an  armed  schooner  was  cruising  in  the  Nar- 
ragansett  Bay,  interrupting  their  legal  commerce,  by  searching  and  unnecessarily 
detaining  the  freight  boats.  &c.  ;  and  therefore,  requested  the  deponent  to  make 
such  inquiry  as  was  necessary,  for  obtaining  information,  whether  the  persons  be 
longing  to  said  schooner,  were  duly  authorized  to  exercise  that  power,  within  the 
body  of  the  colony. 

Upon  receiving  the  complaint,  the  deponent  conceived  it  was  his  duty,  in  order  to 
satisfy  the  complainants,  and  at  the  same  time  to  give  the  persons  complained  of,  an 
opportunity  of  exculpating  themselves  from  the  several  charges  and  accusations 
which  were  exhibited  against  them,  to  pursue  such  measures  as  were  prudent  and 
legal ;  and  thereupon,  wrote  a  letter  to  the  commanding  officer  of  said  schooner,  ad 
vising  him  of  the  information  the  deponent  had  received,  respecting  his  conduct, 
and  proceedings,  since  his  arrival  within  this  colony,  and  requesting  that  he  would 
produce  his  commission  and  authority. 

This  letter  was  answered  by  Lieutenant  Dudingston  ;  which,  not  being  satisfac 
tory,  the  deponent  wrote  him  another  letter,  on  the  23d  of  March. 

In  consequence  whereof,  Lieutenant  Dudingston  sent  to  the  deponent,  by  one  of 
his  officers,  whose  name  was  Dundas,  an  order  from  the  lords  of  the  admiralty,  for 
his  commanding  the  schooner  Gaspee  ;  also,  their  letter  to  the  commissioners  at  Bos 
ton,  requiring  them  to  give  a  deputation  from  the  commissioners  at  Boston,  directed 
to  the  said  Dundas ;  all  which,  the  deponent,  after  he  had  read  and  examined,  re 
turned  to  the  said  Dundas,  who  had  the  charge  of  them,  without  the  least  delay  or 
interruption,  whatever. 

The  deponent  took  this  opportunity  to  remonstrate  to  the  officer  against  the 
impropriety  of  Mr.  Dudlngston's  proceedings,  in  sending  a  quantity  of  rum,  he 
had  seized  in  the  county  ef  Kent,  within  this  colony,  for  illegal  importation,  to 
Boston,  for  trial ;  it  being,  in  the  deponent's  opinion,  repugnant  to  an  act  of  Par 
liament,  made  and  passed  in  the  eigth  year  of  His  Majesty's  reign,  as  there  was  a 
court  of  vice  admiralty  established  within  this  colony  ;  and  that  if  he  persevered  in 
such  measures,  he  must  expect  that  a  process  would  be  issued  against  him. 

A  short  time  after  this,  another  complaint  was  brought  against  Mr.  Dudingston, 
by  one  Faulkner,  of  Portsmouth,  in  this  colony,  and  proprietor  of  a  certain  island, 
called  Gould  Island,  within  the  said  colony,  who  alleged  that  the  people  belonging 
to  said  schooner  Gaspee,  had  been  upon  said  island,  and  committed  a  trespass  and 
waste  thereon,  by  cutting  down  thirty  or  more  trees,  and  carrying  the  same  from  off 
said  island. 

The  deponent  recommended  to  the  complainant  to  make  application  to  said  Dud 
ingston,  and  demand  such  satisfaction  as  was  adequate  to  the  damage  he  had  sus 
tained,  and  if  possible,  to  avoid  a  law  suit,  which,  he  said,  he  had  been  urged  to 
commence. 

After  which,  he  was  informed  by  said  Faulkner,  that  Lieutenant  Dudingston  had 
paid  him  about  fifteen  dollars  on  account  of  the  above  named  trespass  and  waste  ; 
with  which  he  appeared  satisfied. 

On  the  llth  of  June,  the  deponent  received  from  Darius  Sessions,  Esq.,  of  Provi 
dence,  and  Deputy  Governor  of  the  colony,  an  account  of  the  destruction  of  His 
Majesty's  schooner,  the  Gaspee  ;  upon  which,  he  immediately  called  together  such 
of  His  Majesty's  Council  and  members  of  the  General  Assembly  as  could  be  seasona- 


110  THE   DESTRUCTION    OP   THE    GASPEE. 

bly  notified,  and  communicated  to  them  the  disagreeable  intelligence,  who  umni- 
niously  recommended  a  proclamation,  with  a  proper  reward,  for  discovering  the  of 
fenders  ;  which  was  thereupon  issued,  and  sent  into  the  several  towns,  within  the 
colony. 

Admiral  Montagu,  on  the  8th  of  July,  transmitted  to  the  deponent  the  declaration 
of  a  mulatto  lad,  called  Aaron,  impeaching  several  persons  therein  named,  with 
being  concerned  in  burning  the  aforesaid  schooner. 

As  this  declaration  was  not  made  before  any  of  the  civil  authority,  either  in  this 
or  any  other  colony,  the  deponent  was  of  opinion,  that  it  was  highly  necessary  that 
Aaron  should  be  taken  into  custody  ;  and  therefore  directed  one  of  the  judges  of 
the  Superior  Court,  to  issue  his  warrant  for  Aaron,  that  he  might  be  legally  ex 
amined  ;  and  as  he  was  then  in  the  care  of  Capt.  Linzee,  wrote  him  a  letter,  dated 
the  16th  of  July  (which  letter  accompanied  the  wan-ant),  requesting  that  he  would 
deliver  the  said  Aaron  to  the  sheriff,  that  he  might  be  examined  respecting  what  he 
knew  of  attacking  and  burning  the  Gaspee. 

But  Capt.  Linzee  refused  to  deliver  up  the  witness,  and  treated  the  letter  and 
warrant  with  the  highest  contempt,  as  the  deponent  was  informed  by  James  Bren- 
ton,  Esq.,  who  waited  upon  Capt.  Linzee,  with  the  letter,  at  the  deponent's  request. 
If  Aaron  had  any  knowledge  of  burning  the  said  schooner,  it  was  out  of  the  power 
of  the  deponent  to  obtain  it,  through  the  unjustifiable  conduct  of  the  said  Capt. 
Linzee. 

The  deponent  communicated  to  Admiral  Montagu,  in  a  letter,  dated  the  23d  of 
July,  the  steps  he  had  taken  for  obtaining  Aaron's  declaration,  in  full  expectation 
that  he  would  have  given  positive  orders  for  the  delivery  of  Aaron  into  the  custody 
of  the  civil  authority  ;  especially,  as  the  deponent  had  assured  Capt.  Linzee  that 
after  his  examination,  he  should  be  returned  on  board  the  King's  ship. 

The  deponent  cited  Mr.  Samuel  Thurston  and  Mr.  Samuel  Tompkins,  of  the 
island  of  Prudence,  the  gentlemen  with  whom  Aaron  had  lived  as  an  indented  ser 
vant,  to  give  evidence  of  what  they  knew  of  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee,  &c. ;  and 
also  two  servants,  who  lived  in  the  same  house  with  Aaron,  at  the  time  the  said 
schooner  was  burnt,  who  agreed  in  their  several  testimonies,  that  Aaron  was  a  run 
away,  and  could  not,  for  the  reasons  given  in  their  depositions,  have  any  knowledge 
of  that  transaction  ;  copies  of  which  testimonies,  the  deponent  transmitted  to  Ad 
miral  Montagu. 

This  deponent  further  declares,  that  the  several  letters  and  papers  he  has  deliv 
ered  to  the  commissioners,  contain  a  full  and  particular  account  of  ah1  the  knowledge 
he  hath  of  the  destruction  of  the  said  schooner  Gaspee,  and  the  measures  which 
have  been  pursued  for  discovering  the  offenders.  J.  WANTON. 

To  His  Majesty's  commissioners,  at  Rhode  Island. 

Sworn  to,  at  Newport,  on  the  25th  day  of  January,  1773,  before  us, — 

FRED.  SMYTHE, 
PETER  OLIVER, 
ROBT.  AUCHMUTY. 

An  adjournment  being  determined  upon,  Mr.  Auchmuty  and 
Mr.  Oliver  signified  their  intention  of  returning  home,  and  took 
leave  of  the  other  commissioners,  accordingly. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  ill 


Friday,  January  22. 

The  commissioners  met,  according  to  adjournment. 

Present — Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  Daniel  Horsmanden,  Esq. 
and  Frederick  Smythe,  Esq. 

Samuel  Clarke,  who  was  charged  with  the  service  of  sum 
mons  on  the  12th  inst.,  for  two  persons  at  Mendon,  made  re 
turn  upon  oath  of  his  service  thereof,  which  was  ordered  to  be 
filed. 

The  commissioners  received  a  letter  from  Arthur  Fenner,  at 
Providence,  excusing  his  attendance  in  obedience  to  a  sum 
mons  of  the  18th.* 

Also,  a  letter  from  James  Sabin,  excusing  his  attendance 
in  obedience  to  a  summons  of  the  same  date  ;  which  were  or 
dered  to  be  filed. 

The  commissioners  adjourn  all  further  proceedings,  until  the 
2Gth  day  of  May  next,  then  to  meet  at  Newport. 

The  commissioners  accordingly  adjourned  to  meet  on  the 
2Cth  day  of  May,  1773,  at  Newport.  The  journal  of  their  pro 
ceedings,  if  any  was  kept,  is  not  among  the  papers. 

*  See  page  102.  The  letters  of  Arthur  Fenner,  James  Sabin  and  others,  addressed  to  the 
commissioners,  excusing  their  non-attendance,  not  referred  to  in  the  journal  of  the  pro 
ceedings  of  the  commission,  are  inserted  in  their  chronological  order  elsewhere  in  this 
pamphlet. 


112  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE* 


PROCEEDINGS    OF    THE  COMMISSIONERS    OF 
INQUIRY,  &c.,  CONTINUED. 


To  remove  the  difficulties  between  Admiral  Montagu  and 
the  commissioners,  relative  to  his  personal  attendance  at  New 
port,  the  board  of  admiralty  in  England,  dispatched  him  spe 
cial  orders,  as  follows  : 

The  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  to  Admiral  Montagu,  relative  to 
his  personal  attendance  upon  the  Commissioners,  fyc.,  at 
Newport. 

By  the  Commissioners  for  executing  the  office  of  Lord  High  Admiral  of  Great 
Britain  and  Ireland,  &c. 

Whereas,  you  represented  to  us,  by  your  letter  of  the  19th  of  January  last,  from 
Rhode  Island,  as  the  season  of  the  year  was  so  far  advanced  as  to  render  it  hazard 
ous  for  you  to  proceed  thither  with  the  ships  under  your  command,  agreeably  to  our 
instructions  of  the  7th  of  September  last,  you  had  given  Capt.  Keeler,  of  the  Mer 
cury,  the  senior  officer  of  the  King's  ships  at  that  island,  to  whom,  you  had  before 
dispatched  His  Majesty's  commission  for  inquiring  into  the  circumstances  relative  to 
the  burning  of  the  Gaspee  schooner,  orders  to  aid  and  assist  the  commissioners 
therein  named,  in  the  same  manner  as  you  should  have  done,  had  you  been  there  ; 
but,  as  the  said  commission  expressly  directs  the  prisoners  to  be  delivered  to  you; 
the  commissioners  did  not  choose  to  proceed  to  business  until  your  arrival. 

That,  in  consequence  of  receiving  such  information,  you  had  proceeded  thither 
by  land,  and  had  hoisted  your  flag  on  board  the  Lizzard ;  and  that  the  commis 
sioners  had  examined  some  few  persons. 

And  whereas,  you  further  represented  to  us,  by  your  said  letter,  that  if  you  are 
obliged  to  attend  the  commissioners  at  Rhode  Island,  the  naval  business  at  Halifax 
and  Boston  will  be  greatly  retarded,  as  it  will  be  impossible  for  you  to  attend  td 
those  and  your  other  duties ;  and  have  therefore  desired,  the  senior  officer  of  His 
Majesty's  ships  at  Rhode  Island,  who  will,  in  your  opinion,  in  every  respect,  answer  the 
purposes  there,  as  well  as  yourself,  that  you  may  receive  our  directions  to  remain  at 
Boston,  with  your  flag,  unless  there  appears  to  be  an  absolute  necessity  for  your 
being  at  Rhode  Island. 

And  whereas,  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  one  of  His  Majesty's  principal  secretaries 
of  state,  to  whom  we  sent  an  extract  of  so  much  of  your  letter,  as  related  to  this 
business,  for  His  Majesty's  information,  hath,  by  his  letter  of  the  20th  instant,  ac 
quainted  us  that  His  Majesty  is  pleased  to  approve  that  the  execution  of  His  Maj- 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  113 

esty's  orders  respecting  the  service  at  Rhode  Island,  should  be  entrusted  to  the 
senior  captain  of  such  of  his  ships  of  war  as  may,  from  time  to  time  be  stationed  at 
that  colony. 

You  are  therefore,  hereby  required  and  directed  to  entrust  the  execution  of  His 
Majesty's  said  orders  to  such  senior  captain,  accordingly. 

Given  under  our  hands,  the  26th  day  of  March,  1773.  SANDWICH, 

J.  BULLER, 
LISBURNE. 

By  command  of  their  lordships  : 
CHAS.  STEPHENS. 

To  John  Montagu,  Esq.,  Rear  Admiral  of  the  Blue,  and 
commander  in  chief  of  His  Majesty's  ships  and  vessels 
in  North  America,  at  Boston. 

Previous  to  the  reception  of  these  orders,  the  following  let 
ters  passed  between  the  commissioners  and  the  officers  of  the 
navy,  stationed  in  New  England  : 

Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Commissioners,  §-c. 

Boston,  24th  May,  1773. 

Gentlemen  : — As  I  understood  you  are  soon  to  meet  to  proceed  on  business,  I  am 
to  inform  you,  I  have  ordered  to  Capt.  Keeler,  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Mercury,  Wil 
liam  Dickinson,  late  midshipman  of  the  Gaspee,  and  Bartholomew  Cheever,  one  of 
her  seamen,  two  evidences  sent  out  of  England,  by  the  right  honorable  the  lords 
commissioners  of  the  admiralty. 

As  they  were  on  board,  when  Captain  Dudingston  was  wounded,  these  people  (if 
the  men  called  the  head  sheriff  and  captain  can  be  found),  can  swear  to  their  per 
sons.  You  will  be  the  best  judges  what  use  to  make  of  them,  when  they  appear 
before  you. 

I  expect  the  Captain  man-of-war  will  return  from  Halifax  in  ten  days,  when  I 
shall  lose  no  time  in  repairing  to  Rhode  Island ;  but  if,  in  the  meantime,  you  should 
think  my  presence  absolutely  necessary,  I  will  set  out  by  land,  although  it  will  be 
attended  with  great  inconvenience  to  me. 

Capt.  Keeler  has  my  orders  to  give  you  every  assistance  in  his  power ;  and  I 
doubt  not  but  that  he  will  faithfully  execute  them. 
.     I  am,  gentlemen, 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

J.  MONTAGU. 

To  His  Majesty's  Commissioners,  at  Newport. 

15 


114  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE, 


Capt.  Robert  Keeler  to  the  Commissioners,  $-c. 

His  Majesty's  ship  Mercury,  Rhode  Island  Harbor,  > 
May  2 7,  1773.  > 

Sir : — Admiral  Montagu  finding  the  King's  commissioners  meeting  at  Newport, 
he  has  sent  me  an  officer  and  one  seaman,  lately  belonging  to  the  Gaspee,  and  just 
arrived  from  England,  to  give  information  of  the  persons  that  were  concerned  in 
the  burning  of  said  schooner. 

Likewise  a  letter,  directed  to  His  Majesty's  commissioners  at  Rhode  Island,  with 
directions  to  me,  to  deliver  to  you,  when  sitting. 

But,  as  I  am  detained  on  board,  on  account  of  a  writ  being  issued  out  against  me, 
I  am  to  desire  you  will  give  me  notice  in  writing,  when  you  meet,  that  the  letter 
may  be  sent  by  a  proper  officer ;  and  of  the  time  you  choose  to  have  the  evidences 
on  shore,  to  be  examined.  I  am,  sir, 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

R.  KEELER. 

To  Hon.  Joseph  Wanton,  Esq.,  president  of  His  Majesty's 
commission,  at  Newport. 

The  Commissioners,  &c.,  to  Capt.  Keeler. 

Newport,  May  27,  1773. 

Sir : — Though  there  are  three  commissioners  met  at  Newport,  yet,  as  the  other 
two  gentlemen  are  daily  expected,  it  is  thought  most  conducive  to  His  Majesty's  ser 
vice,  not  to  proceed  on  business  till  they  join  us ;  at  which  time  we  shall  acquaint 
you,  when  the  witnesses  you  mention  to  us,  may  be  examined,  and  Admiral  Mon 
tagu's  letter  delivered,  and  in  the  interim,  are, 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servants, 
J.  WANTON, 
PETER  OLIVER, 
ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners. 
To  Capt.  Robert  Keeler. 

The  Commissioners,  fyc.,  to  Copt.  Keeler. 

Newport,  May  31,  1773. 

Sir  : — The  gentlemen  commissioners  are  now  arrived  from  the  southward  ;  there 
fore  we  are  ready  to  receive  Admiral  Montagu's  letter,  mentioned  in  yours  of  the 
27th  inst. ;  and  to-morrow  morning  shall  also  be  ready  to  take  the  depositions  of 
those  witnesses  you  inform  us  are  arrived  from  England. 

The  commissioners  will  attend  such  examination  to-morrow  morning,  at  10 
o'clock ;  and  are,  Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servants, 

J.  WANTON, 
TETER  OLIVER, 
ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners. 
To  Capt.  Robert  Keeler. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  115 


The  Commissioners,  $*c.,  to  Admiral  Montagu. 

Newport,  June  2.  1773. 

Sir: — Three  of  the  commissioners  met  at  this  place  on  the  2Gth  ult. :  but  as  the 
gentlemen  from  the  southward  were  not  arrived,  and  daily  expected,  it  was  thought 
by  those  present,  most  conducive  to  His  Majesty's  service,  to  delay  entering  on  busi 
ness  till  they  were  joined  by  their  brethren.  Your  not  receiving  an  answer  sooner, 
to  your  favor  of  the  24th  of  last  month,  was  owing  to  that  reason. 

The  gentlemen  being  now  on  the  spot,  beg  leave  to  observe  to  you,  that  the  wit 
nesses  you  mention,  have  been  examined  ;  and  that  it  will  be  very  agreeable  to  them 
to  have  the  pleasure  of  your  company  at  Newport,  whenever  it  will  comport  with 
His  Majesty's  service  in  general ;  but  at  present,  see  no  immediate  occasion  for  your 
coming  without  your  ships ;  and  are,  with  the  greatest  respect,  sir, 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servants, 
J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER, 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners. 
To  John  Montagu,  Esq. 

Admiral  Montagu  to  the  Commissioners,  8fc. 

Boston,  14th  June,  1773. 

Gentlemen  : — In  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  2d,  which  I  received  the  12th,  I  beg 
leave  to  inform  you,  that  as  the  service  will  not  admit  of  my  being  at  Rhode  Island 
this  summer,  I  have  sent  orders  to  Capt.  Keeler,  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Mercury,  to 
render  you  every  service  in  his  power,  in  the  execution  of  your  commission,  agree 
ably  to  His  Majesty's  directions,  signified  to  me,  by  my  lords  commissioners  of  the 
admiralty,  by  their  order  of  the  26th  of  March,  1773,  a  duplicate  of  which,  I  here 
with  enclose  to  you ;  and  am,  with  respect,  gentlemen, 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

J.  MONTAGU. 
To  His  Majesty's  Commissioners,  at  Rhode  Island. 

The  following  evidence  was  submitted  to  the  commissioners, 
ut  this  session  : 


Deposition  of  William  Dickinson. 

The  examination  of  William  Dickinson,  late  midshipman  of  His  Majesty's 
schooner,  taken  on  oath,  at  Newport,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  this  1st  day  of 
June,  A.  D.  1773,  who  saith  : 

That  on  the  loth  day  of  June,  in  the  year  1772,  between  the  hours  of  12  and  1, 
in  the  morning,  the  said  schooner,  then  working  in  her  dock,  on  Namquit  Point, 
about  two  miles  below  Pawtuxet,  and  not  able  to  get  off;  the  watch  being  on 


>< 


116  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE   GASPEE. 

deck,  as  he  supposed,  gave  the  alarm  that  a  number  of  boats  were  coming  down  the 
river. 

Upon,  which,  Lieutenant  Dudingston  went  on  deck,  and  hailed  the  boats,  and  or 
dered  them  to  keep  off,  or  he  would  fire  into  them ;  but,  as  they  refused  to  keep  oiF, 
we  fired  at  them,  and  they  returned  the  fire,  whereby  Lieutenant  Dudingston  was 
wounded  in  the  left  arm,  and  in  the  groin. 

They  then  boarded  us,  and  used  us  very  ill,  by  beating  and  knocking  down  the 
people ;  and  afterwards  by  tying  them,  and  throwing  them  into  their  boats,  the  cap 
tain  of  the  gang  swearing  he  would  give  no  quarters. 

The  captain  of  the  gang  ordered  Lieutenant  Dudingston  on  his  knees,  and  to  beg 
his  life. 

He  said  he  could  not,  he  was  wounded. 

Whereupon,  the  said  captain  answered,  "  D — n  your  blood,  you  are  shot  by  your 
own  people." 

Then  they  took  him  into  the.  cabin,  where  two  men  dressed  his  wounds ;  who,  by 
their  behavior,  appeared  to  have  some  skill  in  surgery. 

And  this  examinate  further  saith :  that  while  Lieutenant  Dudingston's  wounds 
were  dressing,  those  two  persons  who  assumed  to  be  the  head  sheriff  and  the  captain, 
demanded  the  papers  belonging  to  the  vessel,  which  he  delivered  by  Lieutenant 
Dudingston's  order  to  them;  consisting  of  the  lieutenant's  commission  from  the  lords 
of  the  admiralty  ;  Admiral  Montagu's  instructions,  letters,  and  other  papers  ;  and 
upon  his  particularizing  those  papers  as  he  delivered  them,  they  damned  him,  and 
told  him  they  did  not  come  there  to  receive  any  instructions  from  him,  but  would 
examine  the  papers  at  their  leisure,  which  they  put  into  their  pockets,  and  then 
carried  Lieutenant  Dudingston  on  shore,  about  two  miles  from  the  schooner. 

The  examinate  after  this  continued  on  board  said  schooner  about  three  quarters  of 
an  hour ;  and  was  told  by  the  captain  of  the  gang,  that  unless  he  quitted  the 
schooner,  he  would  throw  him  overboard ;  during  this  time,  they  continued  plun 
dering  the  schooner. 

The  examinate  was  landed  in  one  of  their  boats  on  the  shore  opposite"  to  the 
schooner,  where  he  remained  some  time  ;  and  that  within  an  hour  after  he  was  landed, 
he  saw  the  said  schooner  on  fire  ;  and  it  being  then  daylight,  he  saw  three  of  their 
boats  put  off  from  the  schooner,  full  of  men ;  one  of  Avhich,  landed  the  people  at 
Pawtuxet,  and  the  other  two,  rowed  towards  Providence. 

This  examinate  further  saith :  that  the  schooner  when  she  was  burnt,  lay  about 
eight  or  ten  miles,  to- the  best  of  his  judgment,  from  the  north  end  of  the  island  of 
Prudence  ;  and  that  several  negroes  were  on  board  the  said  schooner ;  and  also 
rowed  the  boats  which  boarded  the  schooner ;  but  he  does  not  know  their  names ; 
and  he  cannot  recollect  that  he  saw  any  of  those  negroes  enter  the  cabin. 

And  he  also  saith,  that  he  does  not  know  the  names  of  any  of  the  persons  who 
boarded  and  destroyed  said  schooner,  or  wounded  Lieutenant  Dudingston ;  but  that 
the  captain,  who  was  called  the  captain  of  the  gang,  was  a  well  set  man,  of  a  swar 
thy  complexion,  full  face,  hoarse  voice,  and  wore  a  white  cap,  was  well  dressed,  and 
appeared  rather  above  the  common  rank  of  mankind ;  and  that  the  greater  part  of 
those  he  saw  on  board  the  schooner,  and  in  the  cabin,  were  persons  well  dressed  ; 
many  of  themjwith  ruffled  shirts,  and  appeared  as  store-keepers,  merchants  or  mas 
ters  of  vessels. 

The  person  who  was  called  the  head  sheriff,  was  a  tall,  genteel  man,  dressed  in 
blue  clothes,  his  hair  tied  behind,  and  had  on  a  ruffled  shirt. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  117 

One  of  the  person?  who  acted  as  surgeon  in  dressing  Lieutenant  Dudingston's 
wounds,  appeared  to  be  about  eighteen  years  of  age,  very  much  marked  with 
the  small  pox  ;  light  brown  hair,  tied  behind  :  about  five  feet,  five  or  six  inches 
high. 

Tin-  other,  was  a  very  genteel  man  ;  appeared  to  be  about  twenty-two  years  of 
age  ;  his  hair  tied  behind,  a  thin  person,  and  about  five  feet,  eight  or  nine  inches 
high. 

This  examinate  further  saith :  that  after  he  returned  from  Boston  to  Providence, 
a  few  days  after  the  schooner  was  desti-oyed,  the  first  described  surgeon  met  him  in 
one  of  the  streets  in  Providence,  and  asked  him  whether  he  knew  how  Lieutenant 
Dudingston  did  :  but  the  examinate  did  not  know  his  name  ;  and  further  saith  not. 

W.  DICKINSON. 

Sworn  to,  at  Newport,  on  the  day  and  year  abovesaid,  before — 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER, 

Commissioners. 

Deposition  of  Bartholomew  Cheever. 

The  examination  of  Bartholomew  Cheever,  mariner,  and  late  a  seamen  on  board 
His  Majesty's  schooner,  the  Gaspee,  taken  on  oath,  at  Newport,  in  the  colony  of 
Rhode  Island,  on  the  1st  day  of  June,  1773,  who  saith: 

That  on  the  9th  day  of  June  last,  the  schooner  Gaspee  run  aground,  on  her  pas 
sage  to  Providence,  on  a  point  of  land  about  two  or  three  miles  below  a  small  town, 
and  about  five  miles  from  the  town  of  Providence. 

That  about  three-quarters  after  12  o'clock,  the  next  morning,  being  the  10th  of 
June,  he  was  standing  upon  the  quarter  deck  of  said  schooner,  as  a  sentry ;  every 
other  person  belonging  to  said  schooner,  being  below,  he  saw  a  number  of  boats 
coming  towards  said  schooner,  which  he  hailed,  but  no  answer  was  returned ;  he 
then  immediately  gave  notice  to  Lieutenant  Dudingston  and  the  midshipman,  who 
instantly  came  upon  deck. 

The  boats  were  again  hailed,  and  the  answer  returned  by  some  of  the  people  in 
said  boats  was,  u  D — n  your  blood,  we  have  you  now  !" 

The  captain  ordered  them  to  keep  off;  and  told  them  if  they  did  not.  he  would 
fire  into  them. 

They  answered,  they  did  not  care  ;  they  would  be  aboard  directly. 

The  captain  then  ordered  all  hands  on  deck ;  but  the  people  who  were  in  the 
boats,  boarded  the  schooner  ;  and  as  they  were  entering  said  schooner,  they  shot  the 
captain ;  and  afterwards  tied  the  people  belonging  to  said  schooner,  and  carried 
them  on  shore,  nearly  opposite  to  the  schooner ;  they  then  broke  open  the  arm- 
chest,  and  took  possession  of  the  small  arms. 

And  after  they  had  landed  all  the  Gaspee's  people,  he  saw  the  said  schooner  on 
fire ;  but  he  knoweth  not  the  names  of  any  of  the  persons  who  were  concerned  in 
destroying  said  schooner ;  and  that  those  who  acted  as  principals,  were  called  the 
head  sheriff  and  the  captain  :  and  one  of  them  was  called  constable. 

And  this  examinate  further  saith :  that  while  he  was  attending  upon  Lieutenant 


118  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

Dmlingston  at  a  town  called  Pawtuxet,  he  saw  two  of  the  persons  who  were  concerned 
in  destroying  said  schooner  ;  but  did  not  know  their  names.         his 

BARTHOLOMEW  X    CHEEVER. 
mark. 

Sworn  to,  at  Newport,  on  the  day  and  year,  abovesaid,  before — 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTIIE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER, 

Commissioners. 

Deposition  of  John  Cole. 

The  examination  of  John  Cole,  of  Providence,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island, 
Esq.,  taken  on  oath  in  Newport,  in  said  colony,  this  3d  day  of  June,  A.  D.  1773, 
who  saith  : 

That  the  evening  preceding  the  burning  the  Gaspee,  I  spent  at  Mr.  James  Sa- 
bins's  tavern,  in  Providence,  aforesaid,  in  company  with  several  gentlemen. 

About  7  or  8  o'clock,  hearing  a  noise  in  the  street  of  said  town,  I  pulled  back  the 
shutter  of  one  of  the  windows  next  the  street,  and  saw  several  men,  about  twelve, 
as  I  apprehend,  but  did  know  one  of  them,  collected  together.  Upon  which,  I  made 
inquiry  of  the  gentlemen  in  the  room,  if  they  knew  the  occasion  ;  and  was  answered 
by  one  of  the  company,  but  whom,  I  cannot  particularly  recollect,  that  he  hoped 
they  were  not  upon  any  design  of  mischief. 

To  which,  I  replied,  "  I  believed  not ;  if  they  were  on  such  a  design,  they  would 
not  be  so  public." 

Some  short  time  after,  I  heard  a  drum  beat  in  the  street ;  upon  which,  I  again 
opened  the  shutter,  saw  three  or  four  boys  passing  along  with  the  drum,  and  no 
other  persons. 

Between  11  and  12  o'clock,  in  the  same  evening,  I  left  the  said  tavern  ;  at  which 
time,  I  found  the  street  clear  and  still ;  I  then  observed,  that  I  believed  if  any  mis 
chief  was  intended,  they  had  thought  better  of  it,  and  gone  home. 

Early  in  that  evening,  and  before  I  first  opened  the  shutter,  I  heard,  but  whether 
after  I  joined  the  company  or  in  the  street  going  to  said  tavern,  I  cannot  recollect, 
that  the  Gaspee  was  then  run  on  shore  ;  neither  do  I  remember  the  person  giving 
me  that  information ;  I  never  heard  any  intimation  of  an  intention  to  burn  the  Gas- 
pee  ;  nor  do  I  know  any  person  or  persons  concerned  in  that  transaction,  or  ever 
heard  who  they  were. 

The  place  where  the  said  Gaspee  was  burnt,  was  in  the  township  of  Warwick,  in 
the  county  of  Kent,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island. 

From  the  cove  near  Mr.  Samuel  Tompkins's  house,  to  the  place  where  the  Gaspee 
schooner  was  burnt,  is,  according  to  the  best  judgment  I  can  form,  near,  if  not  quite, 
four  leagues  ;  and  further,  this  deponent  saith  not.  JOHN  COLE. 

Taken,  and  sworn-  to,  at  Newport,  on  the  day  and  year  before  written,  before — 
J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER, 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  119 


Deposition  of  John  Andrews. 

The  examination  of  John  Andrews,  Esq.,  of  Cranston,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Is 
land,  taken  on  oath,  at  Newport,  in  said  colony,  on  the  5th  day  of  June,  1773,  who 
declares  and  says  : 

That  he  was  in  the  town  of  Providence  the  night  that  the  schooner  Gaspee  was 
destroyed,  at  a  tavern,  where  he  spent  the  evening  with  a  number  of  gentlemen  ; 
and  after  supper,  he  heard  a  drum  beat  in  the  street,  and  inquired  into  the  cause 
thereof;  and  received  for  answer,  that  it  had  been  training  day,  and  the  people 
were  breaking  up  their  frolic  ;  about  12  o'clock,  he  repaired  to  his  lodgings,  it  being 
very  dark,  and  went  to  bed. 

The  next  morning,  the  sun  about  half  an  hour  high,  was  surprised  with  hearing 
some  persons  say  to  each  other,  that  the  said  schooner  was  burnt ;  upon  which,  he 
opened  the  window,  and  saw  on  the  other  side  of  the  street,  two  black  fellows  and 
one  white  man,  talking  together. 

I  inquired  what  was  the  matter ;  and  received  for  an  answer  from  the  white  man, 
that  some  people  in  the  night  had  burned  the  man-of-war  schooner. 

Upon  which,  he  immediately  dressed  himself,  and  waited  upon  the  Deputy  Gov 
ernor  ;  and  he  informed  him  he  had  heard  the  news,  and  sent  for  his  horse,  in  order 
to  repair  to  the  spot,  and  inquire  of  Capt.  Dudingston  and  his  people,  and  find,  if 
possible,  the  persons  that  had  done  the  mischief. 

We  procured  a  horse,  as  soon  as  possible,  and  went  to  Pawtuxet,  where  we  found 
Mr.  Dudingston  badly  wounded  ;  and  we  saw  the  said  schooner  on  shore,  about  a 
mile  and  a  half  distant,  which  appeared  by  the  smoke,  to  be  on  fire,  and  burnt  down 
almost  to  the  water's  edge. 

The  Deputy  Governor,  in  his  hearing,  inquired  of  Mr.  Dudingston,  if  he  had  any 
knowledge  of  the  persons  that  committed  this  trespat  .^ 

He  made  answer,  that  he  should  render  no  account  about  the  matter,  until  he 
appeared  before  a  court  martial,  where  he  expected  to  be  tried,  if  he  survived  his 
wounds,  and  such  account  might  be  made  use  of,  to  his  advantage  ;  but  was  willing 
that  his  people  should  be  sworn ;  and  had  them  called  in,  and  cautioned  them  to 
swear  to  the  truth. 

He  then,  as  His  Majesty's  commissary  for  the  colony,  conferred  wtth  Mr.  Dud 
ingston,  concerning  saving  such  guns  and  stores  as  could  be  saved,  and  agreed  to 
save  all  that  was  possible  to  be  saved,  and  procured  a  man  to  undertake  the 
business. 

And  lie  likewise  requested  that  his  people  might  be  taken  care  of,  and  sent  on 
board  His  Majesty's  sloop,  called  the  Beaver,  then  at  Newport,  and  procured  a  small 
vessel,  to  carry  them  on  purpose. 

He  visited  Mr.  Dudingston,  several  times,  and  requested  of  him,  if  he  had  any 
knowledge  of  such  persons  as  had  done  the  mischief,  that  he  would  inform  him  there 
of,  that  the  persons  might  be  brought  to  condign  punishment ;  but  he  always  de 
clined  saying  anything  in  the  affair. 

And  further,  that  early  in  the  morning,  after  the  said  schooner  was  destroyed,  he 
met  with  Daniel  Jenckes,  Esq.,  chief  justice  of  the  court  of  common  pleas,  in  the 
county  of  Providence,  who  said  that  he  had  informed  the  Deputy  Governor  of  what 
had  happened  the  preceding  night,  respecting  the  Gaspee  ;  and  then  urged  that  the 


120  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEEl. 

Deputy  Governor  and  this  examinate,  would  repair  immediately  to  Pawtuxet,  and 
examine  such  of  the  Gaspee's  men  as  could  be  found,  while  it  was  fresh  in  their 
memories,  that  the  villains  might  be  discovered,  and  not  the  whole  colony  blamed. 

JOHN  ANDREWS. 

The  foregoing  examination  was  taken  and  sworn  to,  at  Newport,  on  the  day  and 
year  afore  written,  before — 

J.  WANTON,  PETER  OLIVER, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners. 


Deposition  of  Justice  Helme. 

The  examination  of  James  Helme,  Esq.,  of  South  Kingstown,  in  the  county  df 
Kings  county,  and  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  &c.,  taken  on  oath,  at  Newport,  in  said 
colony,  this  5th  day  of  June,  A.  D.  1773,  who  saith : 

That  in  October  following  the  burning  the  schooner  Gaspee,  the  superior  court 
of  judicature,  &c.,  for  said  colony,  sat  at  East  Greemvich,  in  the  county  of  Kent,  at 
which  court  I  presided,  being  the  eldest  justice  of  the  same,  present. 

Before  the  sitting  of  said  court,  I  had  heard  of  the  said  schooner's  being  burnt,  and 
of  Lieutenant  Dudingston's  being  wounded.  I  did  not  give  any  charge  to  the  grand 
jury  at  that  court;  nor  is  it  usual  in  this  colony  to  give  either  general  or  special 
charges  to  grand  juries. 

But  before  the  meeting  of  said  court,  I  informed  my  brethren,  that  if  I  presided 
at  said  court,  I  fully  intended  to  give  the  affair  of  burning  the  said  schooner  and 
wounding  the  lieutenant,  in  charge  to  the  jury  ;  but  having  been  nearly  two  months 
on  the  circuit,  it  entirely  went  out  of  my  mind,  when  the  grand  jury  was  empan- 
nelled  ;  and  there  being  no  business  laid  before  said  jury,  they  were  soon  dismissed. 
Immediately  after,  I  recollected  the  omission  of  what  I  intended ;  and  then  men 
tioned  to  some  of  the  other  judges  of  the  court,  that  I  had  entirely  forgotten  to  give 
the  business  of  destroying  the  Gaspee  and  wounding  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  in 
charge  to  the  grand  jury,  which  I  had  designated ;  and  further,  this  deponent  saith 
not.  JAMES  HELME. 

Taken,  and  sworn  to,  at  Newport,  on  the  day  and  year  first  within  written,  before — 
J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER, 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners. 


Deposition  of  George  Brown. 

The  examination  of  George  Brown,  of  Providence,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island, 
Esq.,  taken  on  oath,  at  Newport,  in  said  colony,  this  5th  day  of  June,  A.  D.  1773, 
who  saith : 

That  the  evening  preceding  the  burning  of  the  schooner  Gaspee,  he,  with  several 
other  gentlemen,  met  at  the  house  of  Mr.  James  Sabin,  in  Providence,  aforesaid,  it 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  121 

being  a  public  house,  to  spend  the  evening  together.  About  10  o'clock,  a?  I  sup 
pose.  I  heard  a  drum  beat  in  the  street ;  I  asked  the  reason  of  said  drum  beating ; 
on  which,  some  one  of  the  company,  but  whom,  I  do  not  recollect,  answered,  that 
there  were  some  boys  beating  the  drum,  which  was  common  for  two  or  three  years 
past,  in  summer  evenings,  in  said  town  ;  it  is  also  usual  for  the  young  people  to  as 
semble,  to  learn  to  beat  a  drum,  and  other  military  exercises. 

Before  sunset,  that  evening,  I  had  heard  that  the  said  schooner  was  aground  ;  but 
had  not  then  the  least  suspicion  that  any  mischief  was  intended  to  be  done  to  said 
schooner,  or  any  body  on  board  of  her ;  not  having  heard  any  intimation  to  that 
purpose. 

And  I  further  declare,  that  I  have  not  any  knowledge,  directly  or  indirectly,  of 
any  plans  being  laid,  to  burn  or  otherwise  destroy  said  schooner,  or  of  any  person 
concerned  in  so  vile  a  crime,  or  wounding  Lieutenant  Dudingston. 

Some  time  after  I  heard  the  drum,  I  had  occasion  to  go  to  the  door,  when  I 
plainly  saw  about  ten  or  a  dozen  boys,  with  a  drum  ;  and  am  confident  there  was 
not  at  that  time  one  man  among  them ;  nor  had  I,  during  that  evening,  any  concep 
tion  of  any  mischief  intended. 

The  place  where  said  schooner  was  burnt,  is  in  the  township  of  Warwick,  in  the 
county  of  Kent,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations.  From 
the  dwelling  house  of  Mr.  Samuel  Tompkins  to  the  place  where  said  schooner  was 
burnt,  is.  according  to  my  judgment,  about  nine  miles  ;  and  further,  this  deponent 
saith  not.  G.  BROWN. 

Taken,  and  sworn  to,  at  Newport,  on  the  day  and  year  above  written,  before — 
J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  IIORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER, 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners. 


Deposition  of  Samuel  Faulkner,  relative  to  the  Negro  Aaron 

Brujrjs. 

The  examination  of  Samuel  Faulkner,  of  Bristol,  in  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island, 
and  laborer,  taken  upon  oath,  at  Newport,  the  llth  day  of  June,  1773,  who  saith: 

That  he  lived  with  Mr.  Samuel  Tompkins,  of  the  island  of  Prudence,  in  said 
colony,  from  the  1st  of  April,  1772,  to  the  last  of  July,  following,  and  knoweth  a 
negro  fellow  named  Aaron,  who  lived  with  said  Tompkins  part  of  said  time ;  and,  as 
he  understood,  was  an  indented  servant  to  said  Tompkins. 

That  several  persons  came  over  from  Bristol,  to  said  island,  and  said  that  the 
Gaspee  schooner  was  burnt  two  or  three  days  before,  which  Avas  the  first  time  he 
heard  of  it. 

That  he  never  requested  the  said  Aaron  to  go  with  him  from  Prudence  to  Bristol, 
in  any  part  of  the  aforementioned  time  of  his  living  with  the  said  Samuel  Tompkins, 
having  then  no  occasion  to  go  to  Bristol. 

That  when  the  people  of  Bristol  gave  an  account  of  the  burning  of  said  schooner, 
Aaron  was  present ;  and  did  not  either  at  that  time,  or  at  any  other  time  after 
wards,  discover  that  he  had  any  knowledge  of  the  destroying  of  said  schooner. 

That  when  the  people  from  Bristol  gave  said  account,  they  mentioned  the  par- 

16 


X 


122  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

ticular  night  on  which  said  schooner  was  burnt ;  and  to  the  best  of  his  recollection, 
Aaron  milked  the  cows  after  sunset  that  night,  and  was  at  home  early  the  next 
morning ;  and  therefore  concluded  that  Aaron  was  at  his  master's  house  the  whole 
of  that  night. 

That  he  does  not  remember  his  telling  the.  said  Aaron  he  would  ask  his  master  to 
let  him  go  with  him  to  Bristol,  in  any  part  of  the  above  mentioned  time  of  his  living 
with  said  Tompkins ;  but  well  remembers  that  the  summer  before,  when  he  also 
lived  with  the  said  Tompkins,  that  he  asked  him  once  or  twice  to  let  Aaron  go  with 
him  to  Bristol. 

That  he  never  was  in  company  with  Aaron,  when  Mr.  Potter,  of  Bristol,  was 
present ;  but  has  been  in  Mr.  Potter's  rope-walk  in  Bristol,  in  company  with  Aaron  ; 
neither  was  he  ever  on  a  wharf  in  Bristol,  with  Aaron,  nor  at  any  time  pointed  out 
Mr.  Potter  to  said  Aaron ;  and  he  does  not  recollect  that  when  he  was  in  Mr, 
Potter's  rope-walk,  as  aforesaid,  that  he  told  said  Aaron  whose  it  was;  and  that 
when  they  went  to  Bristol  together  the  summer  before  the  Gaspee  was  burnt,  they 
landed  on  the  shore. 

That  when  Aaron  ran  away  from  his  said  master,  he  stole  his  small  boat,  which 
lay  on  the  shore,  and  went  away  in  her  ;  and  that  when  the  people  from  Bristol 
brought  the  said  news  of  the  Gaspee's  being  burnt,  she  was  then  lying  on  the  shore, 
with  her  seams  much  opened  ;  that  some  time  after  this,  and  before.  Aaron  stole  her, 
she  was  repaired. 

That  he  does  not  remember  that  the  people  from  Bristol  mentioned  any  persons's 
names  of  being  concerned  in  destroying  said  schooner ;  and  he  does  not  know  any 
of  the  persons  who  burnt  said  schooner. 

And  this  examinate  further  saith  :  that  the  said  Aaron  was  looked  upon  by  the 
people  where  he  worked,  as  a  person  much  addicted  to  lying. 

SAMUEL  FAULKNER. 

Taken,  and  sworn  to,  at  Newport,  on  the  day  and  year,  above  mentioned, 
before—  J.  WANTON, 

FRED.  SMYTHE, 
ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners. 

Deposition  of  Darius  Sessions,  Deputy  Governor. 

Darius  Sessions,  Esq.,  of  Providence,  on  oath  declares  and  says  : 

That,  in  the  month  of  March,  A.  D.  1772,  or  thereabouts,  sundry  of  the  principal 
inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Providence,  made  application  to  the  deponent,  in  writing, 
representing  that  there  was,  and  had  been  for  some  time  past,  a  schooner  crusing  in 
the  Narragansett  River,  that  disturbed  all  the  vessels  and  boats  that  were  passing 
therein,  by  chasing,  firing  at  and  searching  them ;  and  often  treating  the  people 
aboard  of  them,  with  the  most  abusive  language  ;  and  that  the  commander  showed 
no  commission,  to  support  such  proceedings. 

They  therefore,  requested  me  to  inform  the  Governor  thereof,  that  if  he  knew  not 
who  he  was,  or  if  he  had  not  been  acquainted  with  his  commission  and  authority,  he 
would  be  pleased  to  make  inquiry  therein. 

Soon  after  I  received  said  writing,  hearing  that    the  Chief  Justice  was  in  the 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEfi.  123 

court  house,  near  by,  I  wrote  a  line  on  the  back  of  said  paper,  and  sent  it  to  him, 
desiring  his  opinion  in  the  affair  ;  it  was  soon  returned,  with  something  written  under 
mine,  to  this  purpose,  viz. :  that  it  was  his  opinion,  that  for  any  person,  whatever,  to 
come  into  the  colony,  and  in  the  body  thereof,  to  exercise  any  authority  by  force  of 
arms,  or  otherwise,  without  showing  his  commission  to  the  Governor  ;  and  (if  a  cus 
tom  house  officer.)  without  being  sworn  into  his  office,  was  guilty  of  a  trespass,  if  not 
piracy  ;  all  which  proceedings,  to  the  best  of  my  remembrance,  I  afterwards  sent  to 
the  Governor. 

And  to  the  best  of  his  remembrance,  the  aforesaid  complaint  was  signed  by  the 
following  persons :  JOHN  BROWN,  AMBROSE  PAGE, 

NATHAN  ANGELL,  DARIUS  SESSIONS, 

JOSEPH  NIGHTINGALE,     JAMES  LOVETT, 
JOB  SMITH,  NICHOLAS  BROWN. 

THOMAS  GREENE. 
Newport,  June  12th,  1772. 

Sworn  to,  before —  J.  WANTON,  Governor. 

On  the  7th  of  June,,  the  commissioners  requested  the  per 
sonal  attendance  of  the  justices  of  the  Superior  Court,  of  the 
colony. 

The  design  of  the  commissioners,  will  appear  in  the  follow 
ing  papers  : 

The  Justices  of  the  Superior   Court   of  the   Colony  of  Rhode 
Island,  to  the  Commissioners,  fyc. 

The  honorable  the  commissioners,  appointed  by  royal  commission,  for  examining 
into  the  attacking  and  destroying  His  Majesty's  armed  schooner,  the  Gaspee, 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  and  wounding  the  said  lieutenant,  having 
laid  before  us,  justices  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Judicature,  court  of  assize,  &c., 
within  and  throughout  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  two  examinations  of  Aaron 
Briggs,  two  examinations  of  Patrick  Earle,  the  examination  of  Peter  May, 
the  examination  of  William  Dickinson,  the  deposition  of  Samuel  Tompkins, 
Samuel  Thurston ;  and  of  Somerset  and  Jack,  indented  servants,  for  our  advise 
ment  thereon  : 

It  appeareth  to  us,  from  our  consideration  had  thereupon,  that  no  particular  per 
son  or  persons  are  made  mention  of,  as  being  concerned  in  that  atrocious  crime, 
except  in  the  examination  of  Aaron  Briggs,  a  negro  ;  and  of  Peter  May,  one  of  the 
Gaspee's  people. 

The  confession  of  the  said  Aaron,  upon  his  first  examination,  was  made  in  conse 
quence  of  illegal  threats  from  Capt.  Linzee,  of  hanging  him  (the  said  Aaron)  at  the 
yard  arm,  if  he  would  not  discover  who  the  persons  were,  that  destroyed  the  Gas- 
pee  ;  and  besides,  most  of  the  circumstances  and  facts  related  in  both  of  his  exam-  \  / 
inations,  are  contradictions  repugnant  to  each  other ;  and  many  of  them,  impossible 
in  their  nature. 


124  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

It  is  evident  from  the  depositions  of  Tompkins,  Thurston  and  Aaron's  two  fellow 
servants,  that  he  was  at  home  the  whole  of  that  night  on  which  the  Gaspee  was  at 
tacked  ;  especially,  as  there  was  no  boat  on  that  part  of  the  island,  in  which  he 
could  possibly  pass  the  bay,  in  the  manner  by  him  described. 

In  short,  another  circumstance  which  renders  the  said  Aaron's  testimony  ex 
tremely  suspicious,  is  Capt.  Linzee's  absolutely  refusing  to  deliver  him  up  to  be  ex 
amined  by  one  of  the  justices  of  the  Superior  Court,  when  legally  demanded. 

Peter  May,  in  his  deposition,  mentions  one  person  only  by  the  name  of  Greene  • 
whom,  he  says,  he  saw  before,  on  board  the  Gaspee ;  but  the  family  of  Greene  being 
very  numerous  in  this  colony,  and  the  said  Peter  not  giving  the  Christian  name,  or 
describing  him  in  such  a  manner  as  he  could  be  found  out,  it  is  impossible  for  us  to 
know,  at  present,  the  person  referred  to. 

Upon  the  whole,  we  are  all  of  opinion,  that  the  several  matters  and  things  con 
tained  in  said  depositions,  do  not  induce  a  probable  suspicion,  that  the  persons  men 
tioned  therein,  or  either  or  any  of  them,  are  guilty  of  the  crime,  aforesaid. 

It  is,  however,  the  fixed  determination  of  the  Superior  Court  to  exert  every 
legal  affort  in  detecting  and  bringing  to  condign  punishment,  the  persons  concerned 
in  destroying  the  schooner  Gaspee. 

And  if  the  honorable  commissioners  are  of  a  different  sentiment,  we  should  be 
glad  to  receive  their  opinion,  for  our  better  information.  S.  HOPKINS, 

Chief  Justice. 
J.  HELME, 

M.  BOWLER, 

I    Justices. 
J.  C.  BENNETT,) 

To  the  Honorable  His  Majesty's  Commissioners. 
Rhode  Island,  June  11,  1773. 

The  Commissioners,   &c.,  to  the  Justices  of  the  Superior  Court 

of  Rhode  Island. 

Newport,  June  12,  1773. 

Gentlemen  : — We,  the  commissioners,  appointed  by  His  Majesty  for  inquiring  into 
the  attacking,  plundering  and  burning  His  Majesty's  schooner,  called  the  Gaspee, 
and  wounding  the  lieutenant,  late  commandant  of  said  schooner,  received  your  re 
port  on  the  examinations  by  us  laid  before  you. 

In  the  conclusion  of  the  same  report,  you  are  pleased  to  say,  if  we  differ  from  you 
in  sentiment,  you  should  be  glad  to  receive  our  opinion,  for  your  better  information. 
As  by  our  instructions,  we  are  required  to  lay  before  the  civil  magistrates  all  such 
informations  as  we  shall  receive  ;  and  as  it  is  your  proper  office  to  judge  and  act 
thereupon,  in  such  manner  as  you  conceive  most  likely  to  answer  the  ends  of  public 
justice,  therefore,  we  decline  giving  any  sentiment  or  opinion  in  the  mattter ;  and 
are,  with  much  respect,  gentlemen, 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servants, 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  PETER  OLIVER, 

ROBT.  AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners. 
To  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  and  the  three  assistant  justices. 


TFIE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  125 

The  following  request  of  Chief  Justice  Smythe,  was  thought 
worthy  of  preservation  : 

Chief  Justice  Smythe  to  the  Commissioners,  $c. 

Newport,  June  23cl,  1773. 

Gentlemen  : — I  desire  the  enclosed,  may  be  inserted  in  the  journal  of  our  proceed 
ings.  I  am  sorrv  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  meet  you,  this  morning.  As  this  mirute 
contains  only  the  plain  facts,  I  hope  there  will  be  no  objection  to  the  request  of — 

Gentlemen,  yours,  most  heartily, 

FRED.  SMYTHE. 
To  the  commissioners,  Gov.  Wanton,  Mr.  Horsmanden  and  Mr.  Auchmuty. 

"  June  21. — Chief  Justice  Smythe  requested  the  board  that  some  particulars  of  an 
attack  of  an  armed  schooner,  called  the  St.  John,  by  the  gunner  of  Fort  George,  in 
this  colony,  in  consequence  of  an  order  signed  by  two  magistrates,  dated  July, 
17G4,had  been  imparted  to  him  on  Saturday  last;  and  conceiving  that  great  irregu 
larity,  violence  and  disorder,  accompanied  that  transaction,  and  might  be  considered 
as  a  leading  cause  to  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee,  requested  the  board  to  take  the 
affair  into  consideration,  and  receive  such  information  as  might  be  procured  on  the 
subject. 

Whereupon,  Gov.  Wanton  acquainted  the  board  that  his  son  was  Deputy  Gov 
ernor  of  the  colony  at  the  time  of  the  above  transaction,  and  could  fully  explain  the 
affair ;  that  the  said  gunner  of  the  fort  was  in  town,  and  might  be  called  upon ;  then 
the  board  agreed  to  take  the  matter  into  consideration  to-morrow  morning. 

June  22. — The  board  being  reminded  by  Mr.  Smythe  of  his  motion  yesterday, 
produced  the  original  order,  signed  by  the  magistrates ;  and  inquiring  if  the  Gov 
ernor's  son,  or  the  gunner,  had  been  applied  to,  for  information  on  the  subject. 

Mr.  Auchmuty  proposed  that  the  sense  of  the  board  should  first  be  taken  whether 
the  affair  should  be  at  all  inquired  into,  or  not. 

Whereupon,  Gov.  Wanton  and  Chief  Justice  Horsmanden  were  of  opinion,  that 
no  notice  whatever  of  the  attack  of  the  schooner  St.  John,  ought  to  be  taken  by  this 
board. 

Mr.  Smythe,  on  the  contrary,  was  of  opinion,  that  a  strict  inquiry  ought  to  be 
made  on  the  subject,  and  inserted  in  the  report.  Mr.  Auchmuty  doubted." 

The  commissioners  probably  closed  their  labors  on  the  23J  of 
June  ;  on  which  the  following  letter,  enclosing  the  report  of 
their  proceedings,  was  sent  home  : 

The  Commissioners  $*c.,  to  Lord  Dartmouth. 

Newport,  June  22,  1773. 

My  Lord : — So  much  time  being  necessarily  spent  in  the  business  of  His  Maj 
esty's  royal  commission,  renders  our  return  to  our  several  colonies  highly  expedient. 


126  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 

and  having  executed  the  same  to  the  utmost  of  our  abilities,  we  beg  leave  to  enclose 
to  Your  Lordship,  a  report  thereon. 

Your  Lordship  is  very  sensible  that  for  the  execution  of  the  trust  His  Majesty  hath 
been  graciously  pleased  to  honor  us  with,  it  was  strictly  necessary  to  have  the  assist 
ance  of  secretaries,  messengers  to  summon  witnessess,  or  go  express  on  the  business, 
some  constant  attendants  and  stationery.  No  particular  mode  having  yet  been 
pointed  out  to  us,  for  defraying  these  expenses  by  government,  we  have  discharged 
the  same,  except  the  secretaries,  Mr.  Brenton  and  Clarke  ;  but  at  this,  our  second 
meeting,  we  found  one  of  those  gentlemen  sufficient  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Oliver  would  have  joined  us  in  the  report  to  His  Majesty,  if  the  duty  of  his 
office  had  not  indispensably  required  him  to  take  his  leave  of  us  a  few  days  since. 

My  Lord,  as  we  have  used  the  utmost  assiduity,  and  made  the  strongest  possible 
efforts  to  the  thorough  accomplishment  of  the  end  and  design  of  the  commission ; 
though  not  attended  with  that  success  most  ardently  wished  for  by  all,  yet  we  hum 
bly  hope  His  Majesty  will  be  graciously  pleased  to  accept  of  our  services  and  en 
deavors  therein,  which  will  reflect  the  greatest  honor  on — 

Your  Lordship's  most  respectful,  and  most  obedient  humble  servants, 
J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYUTIIE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  ROBT.   AUCHMUTY, 

Commissioners; 

To  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

The  Report  of  the  Commissioners,  $*c.,  to  the  King. 

"  To  the  King's  Most  Excellent  Majesty : 

May  it  please  Your  Majesty  : — In  obedience  to  your  royal  commission  and  in 
structions,  and  from  a  due  sense  of  the  duty  therein  enjoined  on  us,  we  have  used 
our  utmost  care  and  diligence  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring  into,  and  reporting  to 
Your  Majesty,  all  the  circumstances  relative  to  the  attacking,  plundering  and  burn 
ing  the  schooner  Gaspee,  wounding  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  and  all  other  matters 
in  the  same  commission  and  instructions  contained. 

We  now  beg  leave,  most  humbly,  to  report  to  Your  Majesty,  that  on  the  earliest 
intelligence  of  Your  Majesty's  commands,  we,  with  the  utmost  dispatch  in  our 
power,  repaired  to  Newport,  where,  on  the  5th  of  January  last,  Your  Majesty's 
royal  commission  was  published  in  the  presence  of  a  large  number  of  people  ;  who, 
on  the  occasion,  behaved  with  great  propriety. 

We  next  proceeded  to  give  public  notice  of  the  subject  matter  of  the  commission, 
and  our  being  assembled  for  the  execution  thereof;  requesting  all  persons  who 
could  give  us  any  information  relative  to  such  matters,  forthwith  so  to  do. 

We  beg  leave  to  observe  to  Your  Majesty,  that  the  place  where  the  Gaspee  was 
destroyed,  is,  at  least,  twenty-three  miles  from  Newport,  and  the  accident  of  her 
running  aground  but  a  few  hours  before  the  attack,  takes  away  all  possibility  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  town  being  instrumental  in,  or  privy  to,  the  destruction  of  her ; 
nor  have  we  any  evidence,  even  of  the  slightest  kind,  to  induce  suspicion  to  the 
contrary. 

We  further  beg  leave  humbly  to  represent  to  Your  Majesty,  that  in  the  part  of 
our  duty  contained  under  the  inquiry  into  the  assembling,  arming  and  leading  on 
the  people  to  attack  the  Gaspee  ;  also,  the  concerting  and  preparing  the  same,  we 
have  been  particularly  attentive. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  127 

But  after  our  utmost  efforts,  we  are  not  able  to  discover  any  evidence  of  either ; 
and  therefore,  are  humbly  of  opinion,  botli  from  the  unforeseen  event  of  the  Gaspee's 
running  on  shore,  the  suddenness  of  the  undertaking  and  its  accomplishment,  and 
total  want  of  evidence  of  even  an  intention  to  destroy  her,  though  many  witnesses 
of  credit,  as  well  inhabitants  of  Providence  as  other  places,  were  strictly  examined 
on  this  head,  that  the  whole  was  conducted  suddenly  and  secretly. 

On  the  10th  of  June  last,  about  1  in  the  morning,  a  number  of  armed  people, 
many  of  whom,  by  their  dress,  appeared  much  above  the  rank  of  common  people, 
and  were  accompanied  by  several  negroes  and  others,  boarded  the  schooner  Gaspee, 
then  on  shore,  on  a  point  of  land,  called  Namquit,  which  is  within  the  township  of 
Warwick,  and  county  of  Kent,  in  this  colony,  and  about  six  miles  from  the  town  of 
Providence ;  and  after  wounding  the  lieutenant,  and  using  the  crew  with  great  bar 
barity,  first  plundered  and  then  burnt  the  schooner,  taking  the  lieutenant  and  his 
people  on  shore,  to  a  place  called  Pawtuxet,  about  two  miles  distant. 

With  respect  to  the  conduct  of  the  magistrates,  on  the  morning  of  the  llth  of 
June.  The  Deputy  Governor,  being  informed  -of  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee,  the 
lieutenant  being  wounded  on  shore,  at  Pawtuxet,  first  inquired  if  any  of  the  offend 
ers  were  known ;  and  receiving  no  information  of  such,  immediately  i  epaired  to  the 
place,  and  finding  the  lieutenant  in  a  dangerous  condition,  offered  him  every  proper 
assistance  ;  to  which  the  lieutenant  replied,  he  wanted  no  favors  for  himself,  but  de 
sired  his  people  might  be  taken  care  of,  and  sent  on  board  the  Beaver ;  which  was 
accordingly  done. 

The  Deputy  Governor  then  told  the  lieutenant  the  design  of  his  visit,  was  not 
only  to  afford  him  any  assistance,  but  to  procure  such  a  declaration  from  his  own 
rnouth,  respecting,  the  transaction,  that  the  offenders  might  be  brought  to  justice. 

To  which,  the  lieutenant  answered,  he  would  not  give  him  any  account  of  the 
matter.  First,  because  of  his  indisposition  ;  and,  secondly,  it  was  his  duty  to  forbear 
any  thing  of  that  nature,  until  he  had  done,  it  unto  a  court  martial. 

The  Deputy  Governor  then  asked  the  lieutenant  if  he  was  willing  that  his  officers 
and  men  should  be  examined ;  to  which,  after  some  refusal,  he  consented.  They 
were  accordingly  examined  on  oath,  but  were  not  able  to  give  information  against 
any  person  in  particular. 

Mr.  Andrews,  judge  of  the  court  of  vice  admiralty,  in  this  colony,  attended  the 
Deputy  Governor,  and  behaved  very  properly  on  the  occasion. 

The  same  day,  the  Deputy  Governor,  by  letter,  informed  the  Governor  of  what 
had  happened,  and  of  every  step  he  had  taken  as  a  magistrate,  and  sent  him  all  the 
depositions.  In  another  letter,  of  the  12th  of  June,  he  further  informed  the  Gov 
ernor,  it  was  the  unanimous  opinion  of  a  great  number  of  the  most  respectable  in 
habitants  of  Providence,  that  a  proclamation,  with  a  proper  reward,  should,  by  the 
Governor  be  issued,  for  the  apprehending  and  bringing  to  justice  the  persons  con 
cerned  ;  which  was  accordingly  done. 

In  July,  following,  a  warrant  was  granted,  for  apprehending  one  Aaron  Briggs,  a 
negro,  then  on  board  Your  Majesty's  ship,  the  Beaver,  commanded  by  Capt.  Linzee, 
for  being  concerned  in  burning  the  Gaspee,  and  wounding  the  lieutenant.  The  same 
was  delivered  to  a  sheriff;  who,  after  making  his  business  known,  was  refused  ad 
mittance  into  said  ship  ;  but  the  captain  was  not  then  on  board.  Very  soon  after 
such  refusal,  the  captain  was  informed  of  said  warrant,  and  requested  to  deliver  up 
the  negro,  whom  he  acknowledged  was  on  board  ;  but  treated  the  civil  authority  in 
a  most  contemptuous  and  unjustifiable  manner. 


128          THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE. 

Here  the  civil  magistrates  ceased  tlioir  endeavors  to  discover  the  offenders  ;  for, 
though  there  was  a  superior  court,  held  in,  and  for  the  county  of  Kent,  in  October 
following  the  burning  the  Gaspee,  at  which  the  -second  justice  presided,  the  chief 
justice  being  absent,  not  any  charge  was  given  to  the  grand  jury,  to  inquire  into 
that  atrocious  breach  of  law,  nor  any  information  thereof,  by  the  then  acting  attor 
ney  general ;  nor  was  any  thing  done  thereon,  that  we  can  discover. 

Having  now  laid  before  Your  Majesty,  the  substance  of  the  proofs  relative  to  the 
destruction  of  the  Gaspee,  the  barbarity  and  insolence  exercised  upon  the  com 
mander  and  seamen  belonging  to  her,  with  other  necessary  matters,  we  proceed,  in 
obedience  to  Your  Majesty's  directions,  to  assign  some  probable  causes,  which  we 
conceive,  might  lead  to  so  bold  a  violation  of  Your  Majesty's  laws  and  authority. 

The  great  impatience  of  some  people,  in  this  colony,  under  any  restraint  of  trade, 
however  illicit ;  the  check  which  Your  Majesty's  navy  officers  have  put  to  such 
trade,  by  the  necessary  aid  and  assistance  which  they  have  afforded  the  revenue  of 
ficers  ;  the  plundering  and  burning  a  sloop,  called  the  Liberty,  in  this  harbor,  in 
July.  1769,  then  employed  in  Your  Majesty's  revenue  service,  and  commanded  by 
William  Reid,  liberating  a  vessel  and  cargo,  then  under  seizure  by  said  commander, 
and  in  a  violent  and  outrageous  manner  assaulting  and  detaining  him  in  this  town, 
in  duress,  till  the  accomplishment  of  the  above  facts ;  the  same  night,  dragging  two 
boats,  belonging  to  said  sloop,  through  the  streets,  and  burning  them ;  and  the  per 
petrators  of  the  above  outrage,  escaped  with  impunity ;  not  one  person  being  so 
much  as  apprehended  on  this  occasion. 

It  must  be  further,  with  humble  submission  to  Your  Majesty,  remarked,  that  it 
does  not  appear  to  us,  that  any  complaint  or  information  was  given  to  any  peace 
officer  or  other  magistrate,  against  any  person,  whatever,  as  concerned  in  the  above 
transaction,  excepting  four  depositions,  taken  before  a  single  magistrate  ;  and  which 
do  not  appear  to  have  been  laid  before  the  Governor  and  Council,  or  to  have  had 
any  effect. 

Certain  persons,  principal  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Providence,  in  March,  pre 
ceding  the  burning  of  the  Gaspee,  complained  to  the  Deputy  Governor,  also  an  in 
habitant  of  that  place,  against  the  conduct  of  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  for  disturbing 
and  obstructing  their  vessels  and  boats,  firing  at  and  searching  them,  without  show 
ing  any  commission  for  so  doing  ;  and  requested  the  Deputy  Governor  to  inform 
the  Governor  thereof,  that  he  might  inquire  into  the  said  lieutenant's  authority ; 
on  which,  the  Deputy  Governor  laid  the  same  before  the  Chief  Justice,  also  an  in 
habitant  of  the  town  of  Providence,  for  his  opinion,  how  to  conduct  in  the  affair  ;  to 
which,  he  soon  returned  an  answer,  to  the  following  purpose  :  it  was  his  opinion, 
"  that  for  any  person,  whatever,  to  come  into  this  colony,  and  in  the  body  thereof,  to 
exercise  any  authority  by  force  of  arms,  or  otherwise,  without  showing  his  commis 
sion  to  the  Governor,  and  if  a  custom  house  officer,  without  being  sworn  into  his  of 
fice,  was  guilty  of  a  trespass,  if  not  piracy." 

But  what  effect  such  opinion  might  have  on  the  minds  of  the  perpetrators  of  the 
crime,  we  must  most  humbly  submit.  If  Lieutenant  Dudingston,  on  his  first  arrival 
in  the  harbor  of  Newport,  had  waited  on  the  Governor,  acquainting  him  with  his 
power  and  authority,  and  thereby  early  made  his  duty  a  matter  of  notoriety,  he 
would,  at  least,  have  acted  a  prudent  part ;  but  whether  his  duty  obliged  him  so  to 
do,  we  do  not  presume  to  determine. 

There  is  also  too  much  reason  to  believe,  that  in  some  instances  Lieutenant  Dud 
ingston,  from  an  intemperate,  if  not  a  reprehensible  zeal  to  aid  the  revenue  service, 
exceeded  the  bounds  of  his  duty. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  129 

After  exerting  ourselves  to  the  utmost  of  our  abilities,  to  collect  evidence  against 
the  persons  concerned  in  burning  the  Gaspee,  and  wounding  the  lieutenant,  and 
judging  that  we  had  got  all  there  was  any  probability  of  obtaining,  we  laid  such  be 
fore  the  Deputy  Governor,  the  Chief  Justice  of  the  colony,  and  three  of  his  asso 
ciates  ;  among  which  testimonies,  was  Aaron's,  the  negro  ;  wherein,  some  persons 
are  expressly  named  and  charged  as  guilty  ;  and  Mr.  Dickinson's,  late  midshipman 
of  the  Gaspee,  and  on  board  at  the  time  she  was  destroyed,  very  particularly  de 
scribed  others. 

The  justices  were  then  informed,  that  the  same  witness  was  now  present,  and 
might  be  by  them  re-examined. 

Soon  afterwards,  at  the  request  of  the  judges,  we  also  delivered  them  other  depo 
sitions,  which  had  been  laid  before  us  by  the  Governor,  and  which  tended  to  dis 
credit  the  testimony  of  said  Aaron.  The  day  following,  we  received  their  report  in 
the  words  following : 

"  The  honorable  the  commissioners,  appointed  by  royal  commission,  for  examining  into 
the  attacking  and  destroying  His  Majesty's  armed  schooner,  the  Gaspue,  commanded  by 
Lieutenant  Dudingston,  and  wounding  the  said  lieutenant,  having  laid  before  us,  justices 
of  the  Superior  Court  of  Judicature,  court  of  assize,  &c.,  within  and  throughout  the  colony 
of  Rhode  Island,  two  examinations  of  Aaron  Briggs,  two  examinations  of  Patrick  Earle,  the 
examination  of  Peter  May,  the  examination  of  William  Dickinson,  the  depositions  of  Samuel 
Tompkins,  Samuel  Thurston,  and  of  Somerset  and  Jack,  indented  servants,  for  our  advise 
ment  thereon  : 

It  appcareth  unto  us,  from  due  consideration  had  thereupon,  that  no  particular  person  or 
persons  are  made  mention  of  as  being  concerned  in  that  atrocious  crime,  except  in  the  ex 
amination  of  Aaron  Briggs,  a  negro,  and  of  Peter  May,  one  of  the  Gaspee's  people. 

The  confession  of  the  said  Aaron,  upon  h's  lirst  examination,  was  made  in  consequence 
of  illegal  threats  from  Capt.  Liuzce,  of  hanging  him  (the  said  Aaron)  at  the  yard  arm,  if  he 
would  not  discover  who  the  persons  were,  that  destroyed  the  Gaspee  ;  and  besides,  most  of 
the  circumstances  and  facts  related  in  both  of  his  examinations,  are  contradictions  repug 
nant  to  each  other,  and  many  of  them  impossible  in  their  nature. 

It  is  evident  from  the  depositions  of  Tompkins,  Thurston,  and  Aaron's  two  fellow  ser 
vants,  that  he  was  at  home  the  whole  of  that  night  on  which  the  Gaspee  was  attacked  ;  es 
pecially,  as  there  was  no  boat  on  that  part  of  the  island,  in  which  he  could  pass  the  bay  in 
the  manner  by  him  described. 

In  short,  another  circumstance  which  renders  the  said  Aaron's  testimony  extremelv  sus 
picious,  is  Capt.  Linzee's  absolutely  refusing  to  deliver  him  up  to  be  examined  by  one  of 
the  justices  of  the  said  Superior  Court,  when  legally  demanded. 

Peter  May,  in  his  deposition,  mentions  one  person  only,  by  the  name  of  Greene,  whom,  he 
says,  he  saw  before  on  board  the  Gaspee  ;  but  the  family  of  Greene  being  very  numerous  in 
this  colony,  and  the  said  Peter  not  giving  the  Christian  name,  or  describing  him  in  such  a 
manner  as  he  could  be  found  out,  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  know  at  present,  the  person 
referred  to. 

Upon  the  whole,  we  are  all  of  opinion,  that  the  several  matters  and  things  contained  in 
said  depositions,  do  not  induce  u  probable  suspicion,  that  the  persons  mentioned  therein 
or  either  or  any  of  them,  are  guilty  of  the  crime,  aforesaid. 

It  is,  however,  the  fixed  determination  of  the  Superior  Court,  to  exert  every  legal  effort  in 
detecting  and  bringing  to  condign  punishment,  the  persons  concerned  in  destroying  the 
schooner  Gaspee. 

And  if  the  honorable  commissioners  are  of  a  different  sentiment,  we  should  be  glad  to  re 
ceive  their  opinion,  for  our  better  information." 

To  the  latter  part  of  which,  we  answered : 

"That,  by  our  instructions,  we  were  commanded  to  lay  before  the  civil  magistrates  all 
such  information  as  we  should  receive ;  and  as  it  was  their  proper  office  to  act  thereupon,  in 
such  manner  as  they  conceive  most  likely  to  answer  the  ends  of  public  justice,  we  declined 
giving  any  sentiment  or  opinion  in  the  matter." 

17 


130  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

Touching  the  depositions  of  Aaron,  the  negro,  we  humbly  conceive  it  our  duty  to 
declare  to  Your  Majesty,  that  the  conduct  of  Capt.  Linzee  tended  too  strongly  to 
extort  from  a  weak  or  wicked  mind,  declarations  not  strictly  true  ;  that  some  parts 
of  said  depositions  falsify  others  ;  that  allowing  the  account  he  gave  of  the  time  he 
left  the  island  called  Prudence,  the  place  of  his  residence,  on  the  night  the  Gaspee 
was  burnt,  and  his  return  thither,  to  be  true,  or  even  near  the  truth,  must  render 
his  being  at  the  taking  and  destroying  her,  totally  impossible ;  the  distance  being  so 
great  between  Namquit  Point  and  said  island. 

In  addition  to  all  which,  there  is  full  and  satisfactory  evidence,  to  prove  him,  the 
whole  of  that  night,  to  have  been  at  home  ;  and  the  request  which  he  deposed  was 
made  him,  to  carry  a  person  off  said  island  that  night,  and  which  he  declared  was 
the  occasion  of  his  going  from  home,  proved,  on  the  examination  of  the  very  person, 
to  be  an  absolute  falsehood  ;  and  therefore,  we  are  most  humbly  of  opinion,  no  credit 
is  due  to  said  Aaron's  testimony. 

May  it  please  Your  Majesty,  the  civil  magistrates  being  entrusted  with  the  power 
of  apprehending  and  committing ;  and  having  determined  against  both,  upon  the 
evidence  before  them,  and  there  being  no  probability  of  our  procuring  any  further 
light  on  the  subject,  determines  our  inquiry. 

All  which,  is  submitted  to  Your  Majesty's  royal  wisdom. 

J.  WANTON,  FRED.  SMYTHE, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN,  ROBET.  AUCHMUTY, 

To  His  Majesty.  Commissioners, 

Newport,  Rhode  Island,  June  22,  1773. 


Chief  Justice  Horsmanden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

New  York,  20th  February,  1773. 

My  Lord: — On  the  21st  of  January  last,  I  had  the  honor  of  addressing  Your 
Lordship,  in  conjunction  with  the  rest  of  the  commissioners,  at  Rhode  Island,  giving 
some  account  of  our  proceedings,  and  the  reasons  that  induced  us  to  adjourn  to  the 
26th  of  May  next. 

On  my  arrival  at  that  place,  on  the  31st  of  December,  I  was  surprised  to  find 
that  the  main  object  of  our  errand  was  become  public,  which,  in  prudence,  was  to. 
be  kept  secret ;  nevertheless,  Your  Lordship's  letter  to  Governor  Wanton,  was  pub 
lished  in  the  Boston  weekly  paper,  and  spread  industriously  over  all  New  England. 

However  amazing  to  us,  upon  inquiry,  it  came  out,  that  the  Governor  had  commu 
nicated  it  to  his  Assembly,  who  had  got  it  printed  ;  upon  expostulating  with  the 
Governor  upon  it,  he  said,  he  by  law  was  obliged  to  communicate  all  dispatches 
from  the  ministry  to  his  corporation,  and  sworn  so  to  do ;  that  such  dispatches  were 
usually  directed  to  the  Governor  and  Company. 

Upon  inquiry  how  Your  Lordship's  packet  was  directed,  neither  he,  nor  his  sec 
retary  could  inform  us ;  the  superscription,  they  said,  was  mislaid,  and  not  to  be 
found ;  but  that  this  was  not  so  directed,  as  the  Governor  said,  I  inferred  from  its 
being  addressed  to  him  (sir). 

My  Lord,  as  to  the  Government  (if  it  deserves  that  name),  it  is  a  downright  de 
mocracy  ;  the  Governor  is  a  mere  nominal  one,  and  therefore  a  cipher,  withou 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  131 

power  or  authority ;  entirely  controlled  by  the  populace,  elected  annually,  as  all  other 
magistrates  and  officers  whatsoever. 

The  Governor  treated  the  commissioners  with  great  decency  and  respect ;  and  to 
do  that  gentleman  justice,  behaved  with  great  propriety,  as  a  commissioner,  except 
his  communicating  Your  Lordship's  letter  to  the  corporation ;  which,  indeed,  he 
seemed  constrained  to  do,  under  the  above  circumstances. 

To  show  that  the  Governor  has  not  the  least  power  or  authority,  he  could  not 
command  the  sheriff  or  constable  to  attend  us ;  he  prevailed  with  them,  indeed } 
but  in  expectation  of  being  paid  their  daily  wages  by  the  commissioners,  so  that  they 
were  hired  for  this  service,  at  our  expense ;  and  even  for  expresses  sent  to  summon 
witnesses,  the  commissioners  found  it  necessary  to  advance  their  own  money  ;  also  for 
the  very  fire-wood  expended  for  our  accommodation  in  the  council  chamber,  on  this 
occasion.  This,  My  Lord,  we  readily  disbursed,  and  all  other  contingences,  relying 
upon  the  honor  of  government. 

We  found,  My  Lord,  that  the  Governor,  upon  the  first  notice  of  this  piece  of  vil 
lainy,  had  issued  a  proclamation,  offering  £100  reward,  for  a  discovery,  but  without 
effect. 

My  Lord,  it  is  suggested  in  the  commission,  that  the  people  assembled  upon  this 
adventure,  in  the  town  of  Newport,  and  the  places  adjacent,  by  beat  of  drum,  the 
which  was  intimated,  doubtless,  through  misinformation  ;  for  it  comes  out,  that  it  was  at 
Providence,  Cn  the  Narragansett  River,  about  thirty  miles  from  Newport,  and  seven 
or  eight  from  the  place  where  the  Gaspee  was  aground.  The  news  of  which,  was 
soon  communicated  to  that  town  ;  and  there  it  is  supposed,  the  people  assembled  and 
soon  formed  their  scheme,  to  man  six  or  seven  boats  on  purpose  to  attack  her  at 
that  disadvantage. 

My  Lord,  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island  is  branched  out  into  three  divisions  ;  New 
port,  on  Rhode  Island  ;  Providence  and  Warwick,  more  inland,  adjoining  to  the 
Massachusetts  colony.  At  these  three  places,  the  Assembly  is  held,  alternately ; 
but  Newport  is  reputed  the  seat  of  government ;  between  the  two  former,  there  is 
an  emulation,  with  respect  to  their  trade,  and  a  kind  of  enmity,  likewise ;  so  that 
they  do  not  generally  correspond  cordially.  Providence  is  thirty  miles  distant  from 
it,  so  that  it  seems  most  unlikely  that  the  people  of  Newport  could  be  concerned  in 
so  sudden  and  precipitate  an  enterprise ;  nor  was  the  fact  known  at  Rhode  Island, 
'till  the  day  after  the  treason  was  committed. 

My  Lord,  as  to  the  negro  evidence,  which  seems  to  be  the  foundation  of  this  in 
quiry,  it  is  much  to  be  suspected,  though  his  story  is  told  with  much  plausibility,  and 
he  pertinaciously  repeated  it  upon  examination  before  the  commissioners ;  and  a 
sailor  of  the  crew  of  the  Gaspee,  swore  he  was  one  of  the  negroes  after  the  attack, 
that  rowed  the  boat  which  landed  part  of  the  Gaspee's  crew,  near  Providence. 

But  to  countervail  this  information,  it  was  asserted,  that  the  master  of  this  negro, 
from  whom  he  had  escaped  on  board  the  man-of-war,  with  intent  to  run  away,  who 
is  a  person  of  undoubted  credit,  would  swear  that  about  9  o'clock  that  night  the 
Gaspee  was  destroyed,  he  ordered  this  negro  to  bed,  and  that  he  saw  him  go,  ac 
cordingly,  with  his  two  other  negroes,  with  whom  he  usually  slept ;  and  it  was  said 
that  these  negroes  would  also  depose,  that  he  lay  with  them  all  night,  till  his  master 
called  him  up  in  the  morning,  on  business. 

M  Lord,  the  commissioners  did  not  enter  upon  counter  evidence,  though  I,  my 
self,  was  inclined  to  do  it,  as  we  proceeded ;  and  bring  the  witnesses  face  to  face, 


132  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    GASPEE. 

considering  tho  commission  required  we  should  report  all  the  circumstances  attend 
ing  the  affair. 

Captain  Dudingston  had  been  plying  upon  his  business  in  the  Narragansett  River, 
for  some  time ;  he  had  not  communicated  his  commission  to  the  Governor,  on  his 
arrival,  as  Mr.  Wanton  informi'd  us ;  Mr.  Dudingston  had  made  several  seizures  of 
prohibited  goods  on  that  station ;  and  on  seizing  their  traffic,  might  probably  have 
treated  the  boatmen  with  severity,  roughness  and  scurrillous  language,  by  which, 
the  people  of  that  place  might  be  provoked  to  this  daring  insult  and  resentment ; 
and  not  knowing  Dudingston  bore  the  King's  commission  of  what  he  had  done,  they, 
as  they  gave  out,  looked  upon  him  as  pirate,  and  treated  him  as  such.  For,  as  the 
Governor  infornied  us,  upon  complaint  of  his  abuses,  as  they  pretended,  he  expos 
tulated  with  Mr.  Dudingston.  and  demanded  he  would  satisfy  him  as  to  the  commis 
sion  upon  which  he  acted,  which  at  length  he  did. 

From  these  three  different  branches  of  government,  My  Lord,  there  arise  three 
different  factions ;  their  election  of  the  chief  officers  being  annual,  sometimes  one 
party  prevails,  perhaps  the  next  year,  a  different. 

1  was  told  by  a  gentleman  of  the  law  there,  he  had  known  a  land  cause  of  consid 
erable  value  that  had  judgment  reversed  different  ways  seven  or  eight  times ;  pro 
perty  being  thus  rendered  wholly  insecure,  no  wonder  that  persons  of  property  and 
best  sense  and  most  sincerity,  among  them,  have  long  wished  for  a  change  of  gov 
ernment,  and  to  be  under  His  Majesty's  more  immediate  protection. 

Though  by  their  charter,  they  are  inhibited  from  passing  laws  contrary  to  those 
of  England,  but  to  be  near  as  may  be,  agreeable  to  them,  yet  they  seem  to  have  paid 
little  regard  to  that  injunction,  as  may  sufficiently  appear  upon  inspection  of  the 
printed  book  of  them  ;  they  have  never  transmitted  them  for  the  royal  approbation 
nor  indeed,  by  their  charter  were  they  obliged  to  do'  so. 

Under  these  circumstances,  Your  Lordship  will  not  wonder  that  they  are  in  a 
state  of  anarchy  ;  and  I  assure  Your  Lordship,  that  their  sister  colony  Connecticut, 
is  in  the  same  condition  in  all  respects  ;  justice  has  long  since  fled  that  coun 
try.  I  have  had  an  opportunity  of  being  more  intimately  acquainted  with  the  people 
of  that  colony  for  about  thirty  years  past ;  having  had  the  honor  of  attending  there 
twice,  upon  two  royal  commissions  for  determining  a  controversy  between  the  cor 
poration  and  a  tribe  of  Indians  and  the  family  of  the  Masons. 

Major  Mason,  a  gallant  officer  of  the  army,  a  principal  person  among  the  first  of 
the  English,  who  first  lauded  in  these  parts,  fought  their  battles  with  the  savages, 
conquered  several  tribes,  became  the  foster  father  to  the  colony ;  acted  with  so 
much  generosity,  humanity  and  prudence  towards  the  natives,  and  so  conciliated 
their  friendship  and  esteem,  that,  after  they  had,  through  his  persuasion,  granted 
awav  "reat  tracts  of  their  lands,  to  form  the  newly  proposed  colony,  and  to  make  a 
sufficient  plantation  or  settlement,  the  natives  prudently  thought  of  falling  upon 
a  method  of  reserving  and  securing  for  the  future,  a  sufficiency  for  the  subsistence 
of  their  tribe ;  and  putting  entire  confidence  in  Major  Mason,  as  their  patron  and 
friend  (who  had  treated  them  with  great  generosity  and  humanity),  requested  that 
corporation  or  government,  that  they  might,  with  their  approbation,  invest  the  re 
mainder  of  their  lands  in  Major  Mason  and  his  heirs,  as  the  guardians  and  trustees 
of  the  Mohegan  tribe  ;  and  that  in  future,  they  should  be  restrained  from  selling 
more  of  their  lands  without  the  advice  and  consent  of  that  family. 

Some  were  afterwards,  from  time  to  time,  sold,  with  the  consent  of  the  Masons  ; 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPfSE.  133 

and  to  preserve  the  fidelity  of  the  Masons,  the  family  was  to  have  an  interest  in  the 
lands  so  to  be  conveyed,  coupled  with  the  trust. 

For  this  purpose,  My  Lord,  a  deed  was  executed  with  solemnity,  and  by  the  de 
clared  approbation  of  the  corporation,  entered  upon  their  records. 

Notwithstanding  this  solemn  engagement,  so  recorded,  the  heads  of  this  corporation, 
did,  from  time  to  time  afterwards,  unknown  to  the  Masons,  inveigle  the  Indians  to  con 
vey  to  them  several  tracts  of  very  valuable  reserved  lands,  without  the  consent  of 
the  Masons,  and  divided  them  among  themselves  ;  and  this  was  the  ground  of  their 
complaint,  upon  which  those  special  commissions  issued. 

Upon  the  whole,  My  Lord,  I  was,  and  am  still  of  opinion,  that  the  devices  in  con 
sequence  of  them,  in  favor  of  the  corporation,  were  unjust;  for  it  appeared  to  me, 
that  the  corporation  had  most  shamefully  prostituted  the  good  faith  and  honor  of 
government,  by  ungratefully  and  fraudulently  wresting  many  large  and  valuable 
tracts  from  that  tribe,  and  the  Masons ;  and  becoming  the  instruments  of  impover 
ishing  that  honest  and  worthy  family  (whose  ancestors  first  founded  the  colony),  in 
prosecuting  and  maintaining  their  rights,  at  their  own  expense,  for  thirty  years  past, 
and  hitherto  in  vain  ;  for  the  matter  still  lies  before  His  Majesty  and  Council,  waiting 
a  determination. 

Those  two  colonies,  My  Lord,  commenced  their  settlements  nearly  at  the  same 
time  ;  their  charters  bear  date  one  year  after  the  other  ;  and  they  adjoin  each  other ; 
the  charters  are  similar  ;  each  has  a  grant  of  "  all  royal  mines,  minerals  and  precious 
stones,"  which  may  be  thought  a  privilege  of  too  much  importance  for  a  subject  to 
enjoy. 

My  Lord,  these  colonies  united,  which  as  times  are  so  alike  in  features,  temper 
and  disposition,  that  it  were  a  pity  they  should  remain  separate.  For,  from  my 
knowledge  of  the  people,  and  credible  information  from  many  in  each,  I  am  fully 
persuaded,  that  the  better  sort  of  them  have  long  groaned  under  their  motley  admin 
istrations,  and  wish  for  a  deliverance  ;  to  be  taken  more  immediately  under  the 
protection  of  the  crown.  These  two,  consolidated,  might  become  as  respectable  a 
royal  government,  as  any  on  the  continent.  The  country  in  both,  has  a  rich  soil, 
abounds  in  timber  fit  for  ship-building ;  the  country,  upon  the  whole,  in  my  esteem 
is  superior  to  any  I  have  seen  in  my  travels,  from  Boston  to  Virginia. 

But  it  must  be  confessed,  as  to  the  people,  it  would  require  a  gentleman  of  very 
extraordinary  qualifications  and  abilities,  to  adventure  upon  the  first  arduous  task, 
for  modelling  them  into  due  subordination  and  decorum. 

I  humbly  entreat  Your  Lordship's  pardon  for  trespassing  thus  much  upon  Your 
Lordship's  time  and  patience.  I  flattered  myself  that  some  account  of  the  present 
as  well  as  former  temper  and  circumstances  of  these  two  colonies,  might  not  be  un 
acceptable  to  you,  in  Your  Lordship's  high  department ;  and  conclude  with  the  as 
surance  that  I  am,  with  the  most  profound  respect,  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  obliged  humble  servant, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN, 

To  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 


134  THE   DESTRUCTION    OF    THE   GASPEE. 


The  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Whitehall,  April  10,  1773. 

Sir: — I  have  received  your  letters  to  me,  of  the  19th  of  October,  and  30th  o'f 
January  last. 

I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you,  for  the  favorable  sentiments  you  are  pleased  to 
express  for  me,  in  the  first  of  those  letters ;  but  I  must  not  omit  to  observe  to  you, 
that  the  publication  in  the  common  newspapers,  of  parts  of  my  secret  and  confiden 
tial  dispatch,  of  the  4th  of  September  last,  addressed  personally  to  yourself,  cannot, 
I  fear,  be  considered  as  entirely  corresponding  with  those  assurances  you  give  me, 
of  paying  th'e  Strictest  attention  and  defference  to  such  orders  as  you  shall  receive 
from  me. 

I  am  sensible,  that  you  could  not  do  otherwise  than  communicate  the  substance  of 
that  dispatch  to  the  other  parts  of  your  corporation  ;  but  I  refer  it  to  your  candor* 
whether  it  was  proper  to  give  copies  of  it. 

I  sincerely  hope  that  it  will  appear  by  the  report  of  the  commissioners  for  in 
quiring  into  the  affair  of  the  Gaspee  schooner,  that  no  part  of  the  corporation  of  the 
colony  of  Rhode  Island  has  failed  in  obedience  due  to  the  laws  and  authority  of  this 
kingdom;  in  the  meantime,  the  King  is  graciously  pleased  to  approve  of  the  respect 
shown  to  his  royal  commission,  and  the  decency  and  order  with  which  it  was  pro 
claimed.  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

DARTMOUTH. 

To  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island. 

Chief  Justice  Horsmanden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth.* 

New  York,  23d  July,  1773. 

My  Lord : — Your  Lordship's  favor  of  the  10th  of  April  last,  I  was  honored  with 
on  my  return  hither,  on  the  13th  inst. ;  after  the  close  of  our  commission,  at  Rhode 
Island,  concerning  the  affair  of  the  Gaspee. 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure,  that  my  representation  of  the  20th  of  February,  has 
the  honor  of  Your  Lordship's  approbation  ;  and  now  beg  leave  to  observe  to  Your 
Lordship,  what  has  occurred  to  me,  after  finishing  our  report.  For  waiting  some 
days  at  Newport,  for  a  passage,  wind  and  weather,  I  was  accidentally  informed  of  d 
piece  of  evidence,  which,  had  it  come  to  light  sooner,  would  most  probably  have  cut 
our  business  shorter. 

An  officer  of  a  man-of-war,  stationed  at  Newport,  to  whom  the  negro  Aaron  was 
turned  over,  informed  me  that  upon  his  examining  the  fellow  one  day,  before  his 
master,  and  his  two  negroes  who  came  on  board,  and  interrogating  face  to  face,  the 
fellow  prevaricated  much ;  but  still  persisted  in  the  main  of  his  story,  notwithstand 
ing  confronted  by  the  master,  and  his  two  negroes,  who  declare  that  he  slept  wthi 
them  all  that  night,  on  which  the  Gaspee  was  destroyed. 

The  master  and  his  negroes  being  dismissed,  the  officer,  upon  what  he  had  heard, 
from  the  master  and  his  negroes,  and  had  observed  from  the  conduct  of  Aaron,  upon 
the  occasion,  concluded  he  was  an  impostor,  and  charged  him  home,  as  such,  and 

*  New  York  Colonial  Documents,  Vol.  VIII.  ;  from  British  State  Paper  Office,  165. 


THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE.  135 

told  him  he  was  convinced  he  was  no  more  concerned  in  that  affair  than  he  himself 
was ;  and  conjured  him  to  tell  the  truth  ;  and  at  length,  he  confessed  it  was  all  a 
fiction,  which  he  was  constrained  to,  for  saving  himself  from  the  punishment  threat 
ened  him  on  board  the  other  man-of-war,  as  they  had  charged  him  so  positively  with 
being  one  concerned ;  and  therefore  thought  he  must  confess  himself  guilty,  and 
name  some  principal  people  as  accessories. 

My  Lord,  a  few  days  after  the  Gaspee  was  burnt,  one  of  the  ships  stationed  at 
Newport,  went  and  anchored  close  by  the  island  called  Prudence,  where  the  master  of 
Aaron  lived,  about  seven  miles  from  where  the  Gaspee  lay,  and  Aaron  purposing 
to  run  away  from  his  master,  went  on  board  in  a  small  canoe ;  and  they  rightly 
guessed  of  his  intention,  and  threatened  to  whip  him ;  but  on  second  thoughts? 
charged  him  as  a  confederate  in  destroying  the  Gaspee  ;  and  if  he  did  not  confess 
and  make  discovery,  they  would  whip  him,  and  hang  him  up  at  the  yard  arm. 

And  thus,  My  Lord,  this  forced  confession  of  the  negro  Aaron  has  been  held  up  by 
the  marine,  as  a  hopeful  and  sure  clue  to  unravel  this  mystery  of  iniquity.  The  fellow 
might  probably  have  heard  the  names  of  the  most  noted  and  principal  traders  at 
Providence,  and  other  trading  towns  in  that  neighborhood,  though  he  might  not 
know  their  persons  ;  and  one  Dr.  Weeks,  inserted  in  his  list,  he  might  know  per 
sonally,  as  an  attendant  upon  his  master's  family. 

But  my  sentiments  upon  the  whole  are,  that  this  daring  insult  was  committed  by 
a  number  of  bold,  daring,  rash  enterprising  sailors,  collected  suddenly  from  the 
neighborhood,  who  banded  themselves  together,  upon  this  bold  enterpriz  ;  •  by  whom 
stimulated  for  the  purpose,  I  cannot  conjecture.  They  cunningly  calculated  the  at: 
tack  at  a  time  of  night,  under  the  Gaspee's  disadvantage,  aground,  when  it  was 
probable  the  crew  would  be  below  deck,  and  asleep ;  as  was  the  case,  only  one  sen 
try  on  deck  ;  and  thus,  by  surprise,  easily  boarded  and  plundered  her. 

My  Lord,  I  have  been  two  voyages  of  four  hundred  miles  each,  upon  this  occasion, 
at  great  expense  ;  and  no  small  fatigue,  for  a  person  of  my  age,  viz.  ;  seventy-six ; 
and  I  assure  Your  Lordship,  I  am  already  upwards  of  £200,  out  of  pocket ;  and  am 
still  liable  for  my  proportion  with  the  other  commissioners,  for  the  pay  of  the  clerks 
we  found  necessary  to  attend  us  .upon  the  service  ;  and  though  we  have  not  had 
the  wished  for  success,  we  hope  His  Majesty  will  graciously  accept  our  sincere 
endeavors. 

My  Lord,  I  have  lately  received  advice  that  His  Majesty  has  been  graciously 
pleased  to  sign  a  warrant  for  my  salary,  as  chief  justice,  which  further  adds  to  the 
obligations  Your  Lordship  has  conferred  upon  me,  which  I  cannot  but  esteem  with 
the  utmost  gratitude. 

I  am,  with  profound  respect,  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obliged  and  dutiful,  humble  servant, 

DAN.  HORSMANDEN. 

To  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 


The  following  letter ;  which  is  printed  in  the  New  York  colo 
nial  documents,  is  here  inserted  to  show  that  Chief  Justice 
Horsmanden,  of  New  York,  one  of  the  royal  commissioners,  to 
inquire  into  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee,  had  not,  in  1777,  or 


136  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    QASPEE. 

five  years  after  the  commission  was  held  in  Newport,  been  paid 
his  expenses  for  that  service. 

Chief  Justice  Horsmanden  to  Governor  Tryon. 

New  York,  19th  April,  1777. 

Honored  Sir  : — Your  Excellency  well  remembers  what  circumstances  you  found 
me  in,  on  your  arrival  in  this  government;  that  I  was  then  chief  justice  of  the  pro 
vince,  and  had  been  so  for  eight  or  ten  years  (as  my  memory  serves  me),  and  had 
no  other  allowance  on  the  Assembly  for  the  support  of  the  dignity  of  that  office, 
than  a  miserable  pittance  of  £300  a  year,  this  currency,  and  the  fees  of  the  office, 
trifling  and  insignificant ;  but  upon  Your  Excellency's  recommendation  home,  His 
Majesty  was  pleased  to  allow  me  £500,  sterling,  a  year,  which  I  was  to  receive  half 
yearly,  on  the  commissioners  of  trade  at  Boston  ;  which  I  did,  to  the  time  of  their 
removal  to  Halifax ;  since  which,  has  incurred  one  year  and  a  half,  the  beginning  of 
this  month  ;  but  I  am  much  at  a  loss  how  to  apply  for  it ;  but  as  the  commissioners 
are  now  in  London,  I  have  written  to  them  for  information. 

When  the  duties  arisen  by  trade,  fell,  the  commissioners  had  directions  from  the 
lords  of  the  treasury,  to  give  drafts  upon  them  for  the  salaries  of  the  officers  of  gov 
ernment,  of  which  I  have  had  two,  the  salaries  being  payable  half  yearly. 

Your  Excellency  well  remembers  that  three  or  four  years  ago  (I  think),  the 
King's  special  commission  was  sent  over  by  Lord  Dartmouth,  then  secretary  of  state, 
empowering  the  persons  therein  named  (of  which  I  was  one),  to  inquire  into  the 
affair  of  the  destruction  of  His  Majesty's  schooner,  the  Gaspee,  at  Rhode  Island. 

Your  Excellency  knew  the  state  of  health  I  was  in,  at  the  time  I  embarked  for 
Newport,  much  enfeebled  by  the  rheumatism,  the  time  of  year  in  December,  when 
it  is  generally  expected  the  river  is  full  of  ice.  Myself  unable  to  walk  without  help, 
and  at  a  time  of  life  drawing  near  to  four-score  ;  but  as  Lord  Dartmouth's  directions 
were  to  proceed  immediately  to  that  place,  in  order  to  execute  that  commission,  I 
did  not  hesitate  to  undertake  it ;  but  was  obliged  to  take  with  me  my  wife,  carriage 
and  two  horses,  without  which,  I  could  have  been  of  no  use. 

After  passing  several  weeks  there,  and  doing  little  to  the  purpose,  the  commis 
sioners  found  it  necessary  to  adjourn  over  to  the  next  year,  which  occasioned  a 
second  voyage,  under  the  like  circumstances ;  and  at  length  the  commissioners  were 
obliged  to  close  the  commission,  having  not  been  able  to  make  any  discovery,  to  an 
swer  the  intent  of  the  commission  ;  upon  which  occasion,  I  expended  upwards  of 
£200,  of  my  own  money,  which  remains  out  of  pocket  to  this  day;  and  hitherto,  my 
trouble  for  nothing. 

Upon  the  proceedings  of  the  commissioners  being  sent  home,  Lord  Dartmouth  di 
rected  the  commissioners  to  send  home  their  accounts  of  the  expenses  they  had  been 
at.  It  was  imagined  with  a  view  to  compel  Rhode  Island  government  to  discharge 
them ;  but  if  that  was  the  intent,  the  alterations  of  the  circumstances  of  that  government 
in  this  time  of  confusion,  that  expectation  is  at  an  end ;  and  in  the  anarchy  and  dis 
traction  which  now  surrounds  us,  and  the  great  difficulty  in  getting  money  amongst 
us,  which  is  our  due,  Your  Excellency  knows  how  needful  it  is  to  be  solicitous  for  it^ 
where  it  is  due  in  other  quai'ters. 


THE   DESTRUCTION    OF   THE   GASPEE.  13T 

I  must  humbly  entreat  Your  Excellency  to  represent  my  case  to  Lord   George 
Germain,  hoping,  from  his  clemency  and  goodness,  to  have  a  method  pointed  out, 
by  which  I  may  have  satisfaction  made  in  the  foregoing  particulars. 
I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect,  sir, 

Your  Excellency's  most  devoted,  obedient,  humble  servant, 

DAN.  IIORSMANDEN. 

(Referred  to  the  Right  Honorable  Lord  George  Germain, 
by  William  Tryon). 


The  meeting  of  the  royal  commission  at  Newport,  the  pro 
ceedings  of  which  have  been  given,  attracted  great  attention 
throughout  the  English  colonies.  The  extracts  we  have  print 
ed  from  the  Boston  newspapers,  but  speak  the  minds  of  the 
whole  people. 

The  House  of  Buigesses,  of  the  colony  of  Virginia,  took  of 
ficial  notice  of  it,  and  on  the  12th  of  March,  1773,  passed  resolu 
tions  appointing  "a  committee  of  correspondence  and  in 
quiry,"  consisting  of  eleven  persons  ;  among  which,  were 
Thomas  Jefferson,  Patrick  Henry,  Peyton  Randolph  and  Rich 
ard  Henry  Lee. 

The  preamble  sets  forth  that  "  His  Majesty's  faithful  sub 
jects  have  been  much  disturbed  by  various  rumors  and  reports  of 
proceedings,  tending  to  deprive  them  of  their  ancient,  legal  and 
constitutional  rights."  The  committee  were  instructed  "  to 
obtain  the  most  early  and  authentic  intelligence  of  all  such  acts, 
and  resolutions  of  the  British  Parliament,  or  proceedings  of  the 
administration,  as  may  relate  to,  or  affect  the  British  colonies 
in  America  ;  and  to  keep  and  maintain  a  correspondence  with 
our  sister  colonies,  respecting  these  important  considerations  ; 
and  the  result  of  such  their  proceedings  from  time  to  time,  to 
lay  before  the  House." 

They  were  further  instructed  "  to  inform  themselves  particu 
larly  of  the  principles  and  authority  on  which  was  constituted  a 
court  of  inquiry,  said  to  have  been  lately  held  in  Rhode  Island, 
with  power  to  transport  persons  accused  of  offences  committed 
in  America,  to  places  beyond  the  sea,  to  be  tried." 
18 


138  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF    THE    GASPEE. 

The  resolutions  were  transmitted  by  Peyton  Randolph,  by  or 
der  of  the  House  of  Burgesses,  to  Metcalfe  Bowler,  speaker  of 
the  House  of  Assembly  of  Rhode  Island.  Mr.  Randolph  asks 
that  they  be  laid  before  that  body  at  an  early  day,  with  the 
request  that  they  "appoint  some  of  their  body  to  communi 
cate  from  time  to  time  with  the  corresponding  committee  of 
Virginia."* 

Rhode  Island,  in  May,  1773,  passed  a  resolution,  appointing 
the  following  persons,  viz.  :  Stephen  Hopkins,  Metcalfe  Bow 
ler,  Moses  Brown,  John  Cole,  William  Bradford,  Henry  Mar- 
chant  and  Henry  Ward,  as  their  committee  of  correspondence. 
The  General  Assembly  requested  the  Governor  to  furnish  the 
committee  with  a  copy  of  his  commission,  as  one  of  the  judges 
of  the  court  cf  inquiry  ;  and  of  all  other  papers  which  were 
laid  before  that  court.  The  Assembly  further  requested  the 
speaker  to  write  to  all  the  legislative  assemblies  in  North 
America,  informing  them  of  the  proceedings  of  the  colony, 
"  relating  to  the  preservation  of  the  rights  of  the  colonies." 

The  other  British  colonies  acted  promptly  in  the  matter  ; 
appointed  their  committees  of  correspondence,  and  passed 
resolutions  similar  to  those  of  Virginia.  Among  the  colonies 
which  responded,  was  that  of  Nova  Scotia. 

We  close  this  publication,  with  the  remarks  of  Judge  Sta 
ples,  inasmuch  as  they  contain  the  legal  opinion  of  an  eminent 
jurist,  who  had  carefully  examined  the  testimony  ;  and  who, 
as  a  diligent  historian,  is  familiar  with  all  the  events  connected 
with  the  Gaspee  affair  : 

li  In  reviewing  the  report  of  the  commissioners,  our  surprise  is  not  so  much  excited 
.-fit  the  conclusion  to  which  they  came  from  the  evidence  before  them,  as  at  the  small 
.amount  of  testimony  they  collected. 

It  would  be  doing  great  injustice  to  the  memories  and  characters  of  Governor 
Wanton,  Judges  Horsmanden,  Oliver  and  Auchmuty,  to  suppose  that  they  sup 
pressed  any  evidence,  or  did  not  exert  themselves  to  the  utmost  to  procure  testi 
mony.  The  course  they  afterwards  took  in  the  war  of  the  revolution,  when  they 
joined  the  ministerial  party  in  the  country,  is  a  sufficient  guaranty  that  they  were, 

*  The  correspondence  of  the  several  colonies  together  with  the  resolutions,  passed  by 
them,  in  accordance  with  the  desires  of  Virginia,  is  printed  at  length  in  the  seventh  volume 
•of  the  Rhode  Island  Colonial  Records. 


THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GASPEE.  139 

by  no  moan?,  luke-warm  in  the  service  of  His  Majesty.  They  were  surrounded,  too, 
at  th"  time  of  their  sessions,  by  the  officers  of  the  crown,  and  individuals  high  in 
rank  and  standing,  who  were  eager  in  the  chase  of  those  who  insulted  their  sover 
eign,  in  the  person  of  his  representative,  Lieut.  Dudingston. 

Under  these  circumstances,  it  is  passing  strange,  that  no  persons  could  be  found, 
who  could  identify  those  engaged  in  the  enterprise,  or  that  the  great  reward  offered 
on  the  occasion,  should  not  have  induced  some  one  to  have  turned  informer.  That 
the  enterprise  was  suddenly  conceived,  there  can  be  no  doubt  ;  but  every  circum 
stance  shows,  that  no  great  care  was  used  to  preserve  secresy.  They  were  called 
together  by  the  beating  of  a  drum  in  the  streets.  The  collecting  of  the  boats,  the 
assembling  at  a  public  house,  the  embarking  from  a  public  wharf,  all  must  have  at 
tracted  the  notice  of  the  inhabitants.  The  parties  assumed  no  disguise  of  any  kind, 
but  went  in  their  usual  dress. 

Among  them,  were  some,  little  conscious  of  the  crime  they  were  committing,  and 
the  penalty  they  were  incurring.  Mr.  John  Howlaud  says,  that  on  the  morning 
after  the  affair,  Justin  Jacobs,  a  young  man,  was  parading  himself  on  "  the  Great 
Bridge,"  then  the  usual  place  of  resort,  with  Lieutenant  Dudingston's  gold  laced 
beaver  on  his  head,  detailing  to  a  circle  around  him,  the  particulars  of  the  transac 
tion,  and  the  manner  in  which  he  obtained  the  hat  from  the  cabin  of  the  Gaspee. 
It  required  sharp  words  to  induce  him  to  retire  and  hold  his  peace.  There  were 
others,  probably,  equally  indiscreet;  and  yet  not  an  individual  could  be  found,  who 
knew  anything  about  the  affair." 

The  following  song,  composed  at  the  time,  on  the  occasion, 
is  attributed  to  Capt.  Swan,  of  Bristol. 

"  He  richly  deserves  the  thanks,  not  only  of  his  cotempora- 
ries,  but  of  posterity  ;  not  so  much  for  the  sweet  poetry  of  his 
song,  as  for  the  ballad  shape  in  which  he  invested  the  transac 
tion.  Undoubtedly  some  tune  was  found,  at  the  time,  to  match 
it,  notwithstanding  the  limping  gait  of  some  of  the  stanzas  ; 
and  as  it  was  sung  in  the  circle  of  boon  companions,  they  re 
called  the  light  of  the  burning  Gaspee  to  their  recollection,  and 
hailed  it  as  being,  what  subsequent  events  have  shown  it  to  be, 
the  dawning  light  of  freedom,  whose  mid-day  effulgence  now 
overspreads  the  land." 

s  o  isr  a. 

'Twas  in  the  reign  of  George  the  Third, 
Our  public  peace  was  much  disturbed 
By  ships  of  war,  that  came  and  laid 
Within  our  ports,  to  stop  our  trade. 
Seventeen  hundred  and  seventy-two, 
In  Newport  harbor  lay  a  crew, 
That  played  the  part  of  pirates  there, 
The  sons  of  freedom  could  not  bear. 


140  THE    DESTRUCTION    OF   THE    QASPEE. 

Sometimes  they  weighed  and  gave  them  chase. 

Such  actions,  sure  were  very  base. 

No  honest  coaster  could  pass  by 

But  what  they  would  let  some  shot  fly  : 

And  did  provoke,  to  high  degree, 

Those  true  born  sons  of  liberty ; 

So  that  they  could  not  longer  bear 

Those  sons  of  Belial  staying  there. 

But  'twas  not  long  'fore  it  fell  out, 

That  William  Dudingston,  so  stout, 

Commander  of  the  Gaspee  tender, 

Which  he  has  reason  to  remember, 

Because,  as  people  do  assert, 

He  almost  had  his  just  desert ; 

Here,  on  the  tenth  day  of  last  June, 

Betwixt  the  hours  of  twelve  and  one, 

Did  chase  the  sloop,  called  the  Hannah. 

Of  whom,  one  Lindsay,  was  commander. 

They  dogged  her  up  Providence  Sound.. 

And  there  the  rascal  got  aground. 

The  news  of  it  flew  that  very  day, 

That  they  on  Namquit  Point  did  lay. 

That  night,  about  half  after  ten 

Some  Narragansett  Indian  men, 

Being  sixty-four,  if  I  remember, 

Which  made  the  stout  coxcomb  surrender ; 

And  what  wras  best  of  all  their  tricks, 

They  in  his  breech  a  ball  did  fix  ; 

Then  set  the  men  upon  the  land, 

And  burnt  her  up,  we  understand ; 

Which  thing  provoked  the  King  so  high 

He  said  those  men  shall  surely  die ; 

So  if  he  could  but  find  them  out, 

The  hangman  he'll  employ,  no  doubt ;. 

For  he's  declared,  in  his  passion, 

He'll  have  them  tried  a  new  fashion. 

Now,  for  to  find  these  people  out, 

King  George  has  offered  very  stout ; 

One  thousand  pounds  to  find  out  one 

That  wounded  William  Dudingstou. 

One  thousand  more,  he  says  he'll  spare, 

For  those  who  say  the  sheriffs  were ; 

One  thousand  more,  there  doth  remain 

For  to  find  out  the  leader's  name  ; 

Likewise,  five  hundred  pounds  per  man 

For  any  one  of  all  the  clan. 

But  let  him  try  his  utmost  skill, 

I'm  apt  to  think  he  never  will' 

Find  out  any  of  those  hearts  of  gold,. 

Though  he  should  offer  fiftv  fold. 


T\  A  XT'    TT^», 


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